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Heart attacks have a beginning. These signs, sometimes called “pre-heart-attack symptoms,” can appear days or weeks ahead of the actual heart attack. While there are common signs regardless of gender, there may be some unique symptoms that tend to affect women more than men.
Early signs and symptoms of a heart attack may occur in 50% of patients. Recognizing the beginning of a heart attack means treatment can begin before any damage occurs.
Someone may show one or more of these common heart attack signs. When they start, they can be mild or come and go. Over time, the symptoms and pain become more intense. Stay alert and always pay attention to chest pressure.
Common Heart Attack Warning Signs
Uncommon Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attack symptoms aren’t typical, but should be taken seriously.
Pre-heart-attack Symptoms – Female
Because women can have unique heart attack symptoms , they may be less likely to seek immediate medical care that could prevent heart damage.
Pre-heart-attack Symptoms – Male
Heart attack symptoms in men are similar but subtly different from women’s heart attack symptoms, and can include:
Sometimes, gas can cause pain that feels like a heart attack.
Heart Attack Risk Factors
Some conditions may make some people more prone to heart attack. The risk factors include:
The American College of Cardiology has a tool to help you gauge your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Calculate your risk with the ASCVD Risk Calculator
Take the free course, Early Heart Attack Care, and earn your certificate.
Learn Early Heart Attack Care
Prevent a Heart Attack
Save a Life
Find American College of Cardiology Accredited Facilities in the Louisville Area
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute offers patient resources to support you and your family, including free classes for people of all ages who are seeking to improve cardiovascular health or living with a heart condition.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Our cardiac rehabilitation providers are leaders in developing and applying innovative techniques that can help you recover and resume your life.
Connecting Hearts Support Group
The group provides education and support to individuals who have had a heart attack, are living with a heart condition or are at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Heart Health Screenings
Prevention is the best way to manage heart disease, and screenings are available to detect early signs of cardiac and vascular disease and identify risk factors.
Every year, more than 137,000 people in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose Norton Heart & Vascular Institute specialists for their heart and vascular care. That’s more than any other health care provider.
Select an appointment date and time from available spots listed below.