9 Early Warning Signs Your Body May Show Weeks Before a Heart Emergency
A heart attack rarely comes “out of nowhere.”
In many cases, the body tries to warn us days — sometimes even weeks — before a serious problem happens.
Most people ignore these signals because they look like normal fatigue, stress, or aging… but they shouldn’t.
While these signs don’t mean someone will have a heart attack, recognizing them early can push people to get checked and stay safe.
Here are the 9 signs experts say you should never ignore:
1. Unusual Fatigue That Doesn’t Go Away
Feeling tired after a long day is normal.
But when the fatigue is sudden, new, or much stronger than usual — especially without activity — it's a sign the heart may be struggling to pump blood efficiently.
2. Shortness of Breath
If simple things like walking, climbing stairs, or even talking feel harder than before, this may indicate the heart isn’t moving oxygen properly.
3. Chest Pressure or Tightness
This is one of the most common warnings.
It doesn’t always feel like pain — sometimes it feels like pressure, burning, or heaviness that comes and goes.
4. Swelling in Feet, Ankles, or Legs
When the heart can’t pump blood well, fluid starts building up in lower parts of the body.
Many people mistake this for standing too long, but persistent swelling should be checked.
5. Pain That Radiates
