3. Chest Discomfort, Pressure, or Pain (Angina)
This is the most classic symptom, but it doesn’t always present as sharp pain. It can be subtle and intermittent.
What it feels like: Not always “pain.” It can be a feeling of pressure, tightness, squeezing, fullness, or an ache in the center or left side of the chest. It may come and go, lasting for a few minutes at a time. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn.
Why it happens: This is a direct signal that the heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygenated blood, a condition known as ischemia.
4. Sleep Disturbances and Unexplained Anxiety
Many heart attack survivors report experiencing a sense of impending doom or unusual anxiety in the weeks before their event.
What it feels like: Waking up frequently during the night, often feeling short of breath or anxious. You may have nightmares or a general, unshakable feeling that something is wrong, even if there’s no obvious reason to feel that way.
Why it happens: The body may be under subconscious stress from working harder to circulate blood. Low oxygen levels can also trigger feelings of anxiety and restlessness.
5. Indigestion, Nausea, or Stomach Pain
Heart attack symptoms can manifest in areas other than the chest, often in the upper abdomen.
What it feels like: Unexplained nausea, feeling bloated, or having an upset stomach. This is often dismissed as acid reflux or a stomach bug. Women are more likely to experience these “atypical” symptoms.
Why it happens: The vagus nerve, which influences both the heart and the digestive system, can trigger stomach symptoms when the heart is in distress.
6. Radiating Pain in Other Areas
Referred pain is pain felt in a location away from its actual source. The heart can refer pain to various parts of the upper body.
