5. Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
Sudden weakness, especially one-sided weakness, is most often associated with a stroke, but it can also indicate a heart problem: blood is not reaching the muscles and nerves. You may notice:
difficulty lifting a light object;
staggering or almost falling;
coordination disorders.
What to do: If weakness is sudden or one-sided, seek emergency help.
6. Chest pressure or discomfor
The most common symptom, but often confused with heartburn or anxiety, can be:
blunt or stabbing;
under the sternum;
with a burning or pulling sensation.
Unlike acute chest pain, the pressure often increases gradually.
What to do: If you experience recurring discomfort, especially after exercise, consult a cardiologist.7. Flu-like complaints for no reason
Unexplained nausea, stomach pain, and a general feeling of malaise (especially in women) sometimes precede a heart attack. Those affected describe:
“as if I had a cold” a few days before the event;
absence of fever or viral contact;
attributing it to stress or “poor diet.”
What to do: If you experience persistent stomach pain or weakness, request an ECG and cardiac enzyme test.
What really happens before a heart attack?
Most heart attacks result from a gradual buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. The body gives warning signals through changes in energy, breathing, balance, and chest sensations. The important thing is to look for patterns, not just individual symptoms.
| Postman | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Family burden | Early heart attacks in parents/relatives |
| Smoking | Damages arteries, accelerates atherosclerosis |
| High cholesterol/high blood pressure | “Silent” vascular lesions |
| Diabetes/insulin resistance | Increases the risk of asymptomatic heart attacks |
| Chronic stress/lack of sleep | High cortisol, stress for the heart |
| Poor nutrition, immobilization | Inflammation, weakened heart |
Even young people are not completely protected, especially if they are genetically predisposed.
How to protect yourself toda
Be alert for any unusual fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath.
Check for any strange pressure in the chest.
Know “your values”: blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose.
Have preventive checkups after age 40 or if you have risk factors.
Share your family history with your doctor.
If you notice several warning signs at the same time:
Don’t wait.
Don’t look for a diagnosis on the internet.
Consult a doctor.
