Heart Disease Warning Signs: Symptoms and How Quickly a Heart Attack Can Follow

Common Symptoms

• Chest pain/angina: Pressure, squeezing, burning; may radiate to arms, neck, jaw, back.
• Shortness of breath: With exertion or at rest.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness/weakness.
• Lightheadedness/dizziness: Especially with chest pain or breathlessness.
• Palpitations: Racing, skipping, fluttering heartbeat.
• Swelling in feet/ankles/legs: Sign of heart failure.
• Chronic cough/wheezing: May indicate heart failure.
• Nausea/vomiting, cold sweats: Possible heart attack signs.

Timeline to Heart Attack

Variable: symptoms may appear suddenly (minutes/hours before) or develop gradually over weeks/months.

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent a heart attack or other serious complications.