5 Warning Signs of a Heart Attack That Often Get Ignored

Having severe chest pain that sends you straight to the emergency room (ER) is the symptom most people associate with a heart attack. But heart attacks aren’t always that obvious. Some begin with subtle, easy-to-dismiss symptoms that are brushed off as stress, indigestion, or exhaustion. 

In fact, about 20% of heart attacks in the United States are considered “silent,” occurring without classic warning signs but still causing long-term damage to the heart. Recognizing the less obvious warning signs of a heart attack can be life-saving. 

At Hibari Family Medicine in Edgewater, New Jersey, our experienced team of physicians highlights five warning signs of a heart attack that are often overlooked.

1. Chest discomfort that comes and goes

Chest discomfort of any kind, even if it’s mild or intermittent, can signal a heart attack. This discomfort may feel like pressure, tightness, fullness, or a dull ache, and it can sometimes feel more like indigestion than heart pain.

Intermittent symptoms can throw you off. While heart attacks are often viewed as sudden events, symptoms may come and go depending on the severity and progression of the attack.

Any chest discomfort warrants a prompt visit to your doctor or the ER.

2. Fatigue that lasts days

Feeling tired after a long day or a poor night’s sleep is normal. However, extreme or unexplained fatigue that lingers for days could indicate that your heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. 

Persistent fatigue is a common heart attack symptom, especially in women, yet it’s often dismissed as stress or feeling run down.

3. Pain in the left arm

Heart attack pain doesn’t always stay in the chest. It may radiate to other parts of the arms, back, neck, jaw, or even your stomach. 

Left arm pain is especially common. The nerves in the heart and left arm share pathways to the brain, making it hard to pinpoint the source of the pain. Because it doesn’t feel like chest pain,  you may mistake the discomfort as muscle strain or a minor injury. 

4. Breathless after walking

If you feel unusually short of breath while doing simple activities, such as walking from your car to your front door, it may mean your heart isn’t functioning properly. This symptom, known as dyspnea, occurs when your body isn’t receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. 

Although shortness of breath can have many causes, it’s also an early warning sign of heart trouble and not something to ignore. 

5. Nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness

Symptoms like nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain are often associated with gastrointestinal issues, but they can signal a heart attack. Digestive symptoms that feel unusual or more intense than normal require immediate medical attention.

Sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat without an apparent cause are also concerning signs. These symptoms may appear suddenly and also cause anxiety or a sense of impending doom.

When to seek help

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait to see if they get better. Call 911 immediately. Prompt treatment is critical during a heart attack, and early medical care can save your life.

February is Heart Health Month, and we’re committed to helping you stay informed and proactive about your heart health. Call us today or book an appointment online to get the support and guidance you need.