Every day, our hearts beat thousands of times, keeping us alive and well. Yet, a sudden heart attack (myocardial infarction) can catch many people off guard. Some individuals experience earlier manifestations of a heart attack in the day or hours leading up to a cardiac event. This article examines five common warning signals that can appear 24 hours before a heart attack strikes. By knowing these clues, you can seek help quickly and potentially save a life.

1. Persistent Chest Discomfort

One of the clearest signs of a developing heart attack is an odd discomfort in the chest. This might feel like tightness, pressure, or even a slight burning sensation right in the center of your chest. It can come and go throughout the day or feel constant. Sometimes, folks mistake it for heartburn or indigestion. However, chest discomfort that doesn’t go away after a short rest should never be ignored.

If you find yourself rubbing your chest or adjusting your posture to relieve pressure, stop and pay attention. Ask yourself, “Is this a new feeling?” or “Why does my chest feel heavier than usual?” If these questions raise alarm, it’s time to speak with a health professional.

2. Unusual Fatigue

You may be going about your usual activities—maybe preparing breakfast or folding laundry—when you notice an overwhelming sense of tiredness. This fatigue might feel different from what you usually experience after a busy day. In fact, it can be so pronounced that you have a hard time performing even small tasks.

An unexpected dip in energy levels could be your body’s way of telling you that something is off. You may find yourself dozing off in the middle of the day or needing more breaks than usual. If, over a 24-hour period, you cannot stay alert without unusual effort, it may be time to reach out to a medical professional for a thorough evaluation.

3. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Another early warning sign of a heart attack is feeling lightheaded or dizzy. You may think you just got up too fast or have not been drinking enough water. While those are certainly possible causes, persistent dizziness can point to inadequate blood flow.

When blood vessels narrow or become blocked, your heart struggles to pump enough oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. As a result, you might find yourself briefly losing balance or needing to sit down for a moment. If this odd dizzy spell keeps happening, it may be your body’s signal that your heart is in distress. Paying attention to how often this occurs—and in what situations—can help you decide if a visit to the doctor is necessary.

4. Shortness of Breath

Normally, it’s easy to stroll across the room or climb a short flight of stairs without feeling out of breath. However, if you notice that these simple activities leave you gasping or struggling to catch your breath, your heart may be having trouble supplying your lungs with enough oxygen.

Pay close attention to how you breathe over a 24-hour period. Does it feel like your chest tightens every time you exert yourself, no matter how mildly? Do you need to pause more often? Such changes, however small, might suggest looming heart issues. This sign is particularly important if you also notice other symptoms, such as a racing heartbeat or chest discomfort at the same time.

5. Pain Radiating to the Shoulder or Jaw

Many people think heart attack pain is strictly limited to the chest. Yet, it can radiate to other parts of the upper body, such as the shoulders, neck, or jaw. This pain may start in the chest and spread outward, or it may show up in your jaw first, traveling downward.

This radiating pain is often described as dull or heavy, but it can sometimes feel sharp. If you notice such discomfort for no apparent reason, be mindful that it could point to heart trouble rather than a dental issue or a pulled muscle. Keep track of how often it happens, especially if it worsens when you exert yourself.

Final Thoughts

A heart attack can be a life-altering event, but knowing these early warnings could be the key to survival. Chest discomfort, unusual fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and pain radiating to the shoulder or jaw are red flags worth serious attention. If you experience any of these signs—especially several at once—consider it a clear signal from your body. Call 911 immediately or reach out to a medical professional right away. Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, get checked out.