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Every year, heart attacks strike more than 800,000 Americans, and nearly half of them have no obvious warning signs. While chest pain is the symptom everyone recognizes, many heart attacks begin with subtle red flags that people shrug off as stress, fatigue, or aging.
At Advanced Heart Care Associates, our board-certified cardiologists help detect potential cardiovascular issues before complications occur. With cutting-edge cardiovascular diagnostics and personalized, attentive care, our team helps patients in Henderson and Las Vegas identify risks early, protect their heart health, and get fast access to expert evaluation.
Below, we break down five commonly ignored heart attack warning signs you should never dismiss.
1. Unexplained fatigue that hits hard
Feeling worn out after a long week is normal, but sudden, overwhelming fatigue that shows up out of nowhere isn’t. Many people who experience a heart attack later recall that they felt unusually drained in the days or weeks beforehand.
This type of fatigue isn’t relieved by rest. Instead, it can feel like your body is working overtime just to get through basic tasks. When the heart isn’t receiving enough blood, it has to work harder to pump, leaving you feeling depleted.
If you’re battling persistent exhaustion without a clear cause, especially if it’s paired with shortness of breath or lightheadedness, it’s time to get evaluated.
2. Shortness of breath without effort
Shortness of breath is often dismissed as being “out of shape,” but it can be one of the earliest indicators of a heart problem. If you find yourself winded while doing simple activities, such as climbing a few stairs, taking out the trash, or even walking across a room, your heart may be struggling to keep up.
When the heart can’t pump efficiently, fluid can build up in the lungs, making breathing difficult. Shortness of breath may occur with or without chest pain, which is why so many people brush it aside. Never ignore breathing changes, especially if they worsen over time.
3. Pain or pressure in the upper body
A heart attack doesn’t always feel like crushing chest pain. Sometimes the discomfort shows up in other parts of the upper body, including the:
- Jaw
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Upper back
Arms (often the left, but not always)
The sensation may come and go, feel like pressure or a dull ache, or spread outward from the chest. These symptoms are caused by nerve pathways that overlap, making it easy to misinterpret the origin of the pain. If you notice unusual upper-body discomfort — even if it doesn’t feel severe — it deserves prompt attention.
4. Nausea, indigestion, or stomach discomfort
Because heart attack symptoms can mimic digestive issues, many people assume they’re dealing with heartburn or a stomach bug. Nausea, abdominal pressure, and vomiting can be early signs of an impending heart attack, particularly in women.
The heart and digestive system share nerve networks, which means distress in one area can be perceived in another. If gastrointestinal symptoms occur alongside sweating, dizziness, or chest pressure, don’t wait — get help immediately.
5. Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling faint or suddenly off-balance can be a sign that your heart isn’t delivering enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain. While things like dehydration or standing up too quickly can also cause dizziness, when it happens without an obvious reason, especially with other symptoms, it may signal a developing cardiovascular issue.
Lightheadedness accompanied by weakness, palpitations, or chest discomfort requires urgent evaluation.
Protecting your heart starts with paying attention
Impending heart attacks can cause subtle symptoms that are easy to miss. When you listen to those signs and act early, you give yourself the best chance of preventing severe complications.
At Advanced Heart Care Associates, our cardiologists provide comprehensive testing, advanced interventions, and follow-through to help you understand your symptoms and safeguard your heart. Whether you're managing risk factors or dealing with new concerns, we're here to support your long-term heart health.
If you're concerned about your heart health, don’t wait. Contact Advanced Heart Care Associates to schedule a timely evaluation at one of our convenient Nevada locations.