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Five subtle signs you're about to have a heart attack as most people ignore warnings

Home> News> Health

Published 20:11 12 Feb 2026 GMT

Five subtle signs you're about to have a heart attack as most people ignore warnings

Heart attacks can be fatal if not treated quickly

Callum Jones

Callum Jones

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Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Witthaya Prasongsin
Callum Jones
Callum Jones

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If not treated efficiently and quickly, a heart attack can be fatal, so it's important to have an idea of the symptoms to look out for in case the unthinkable does happen.

Someone in the US has a heart attack every 40 seconds, which results in 805,000 heart attacks every single year across America.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains how 605,000 of these are a first heart attack, while 200,000 people are experiencing it for a second or even third time.

Perhaps more worryingly, one in five heart attacks are silent, meaning the damage is already done before the person is even aware of it.

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To avoid a heart attack potentially becoming fatal, it's important we're aware of some of the symptoms to look out for.

So, here are five to be mindful of.

Dizziness, light-headedness or feeling faint

The Heart Foundation has detailed that being a bit unsteady on your feet all of a sudden may be something to worry about.

Dizziness could be a sign of a heart attack (Getty Stock Photo)
Dizziness could be a sign of a heart attack (Getty Stock Photo)

The health site explains: "The room starts spinning or your vision starts to fade, your body may be warning you of an impending heart attack. Tell someone right away if you are experiencing these symptoms."

Shortness of breath

While having shortness of breath after physical activity is perfectly normal, if it's coming on randomly during a period of being stationary, it can be a sign of something more sinister.

"However, tightening in the chest, difficulty breathing or breathlessness with or without chest discomfort can occasionally be a warning sign for a heart attack," the Heart Foundation charity states.

"If you are experiencing shortness of breath which is not normal for you, it’s best to seek medical help right away."

Nausea, indigestion, or vomiting

Of course, all three of these can be symptoms of other conditions, though if things persist, it's advised to seek medical advice.

There are many symptoms of a heart attack to look out for (Getty Stock Photo)
There are many symptoms of a heart attack to look out for (Getty Stock Photo)

While rare, the Heart Foundation notes it can be a sign of a 'life-threatening heart attack'.

Sweating

A lesser-known symptom of a heart attack, 'a sudden chill in your body, regardless of temperature in the environment, can also be warning signs', the Heart Foundation explained.

No warning signs

This sign, or lack of, is perhaps the most concerning given people can have a heart attack without having any obvious symptoms.

"In this case, your heart attack might not be picked up until later down the track," the Heart Foundation explained.

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