Did you know that heart attacks are the number one cause of death in the United States? This may come as a surprise to many, but it’s a harsh reality backed by decades of health data. In a country where the hustle culture dominates and fast food is often more accessible than fresh produce, it’s no wonder heart-related issues have seen a steady increase in recent years.

Modern life can be stressful, fast-paced, and demanding. Unfortunately, this often leads to unhealthy habits—such as poor diets, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep—which all contribute to the rising incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, the good news is that heart attacks don’t usually come out of nowhere. In many cases, your body sends out warning signals in the weeks leading up to an event. If you can recognize those signs early, you may be able to take action before it’s too late.

Understanding and identifying these symptoms could literally save your life—or the life of someone you love. That’s why it’s essential to be proactive and educated about what your body is trying to tell you. Early detection, combined with a healthy lifestyle and stress reduction, could significantly reduce your chances of suffering a heart attack.

Let’s take a closer look at the warning signs that might appear up to a month before a heart attack. These are symptoms that you should never ignore. While any one of them on its own may not necessarily indicate a heart condition, multiple symptoms together—or any symptom that suddenly worsens—should be a major red flag.

Swelling in the Feet, Ankles, or Legs
One of the earliest signs of congestive heart failure is swelling in the lower extremities. When the heart’s lower chambers—particularly the ventricles—start losing their ability to pump blood efficiently, blood can begin to pool in the legs, ankles, and feet. This causes fluid retention and swelling, known as edema. It may be especially noticeable at the end of the day or after long periods of standing or sitting. Don’t brush this off as just tired legs—it could be your heart struggling to keep up.

Chronic Fatigue and Drowsiness
Feeling more exhausted than usual even after a full night’s sleep? You might think it’s just stress or age, but persistent fatigue could be a sign your heart is overworking. When arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup, the heart has to pump harder to get blood through. This added strain can leave you feeling drained, drowsy, and physically weaker. If you find yourself getting winded doing simple tasks like walking up stairs or carrying groceries, don’t ignore it.

Shortness of Breath
Your heart and lungs work together to oxygenate your body. When the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, the lungs may also receive less oxygenated blood. This makes breathing feel labored or shallow, even at rest. Shortness of breath—especially when lying flat—can be an early indicator of heart trouble. If you suddenly find yourself struggling to catch your breath doing activities that were once easy, it’s time to pay attention.

Unexplained Weakness
Weakness that comes on suddenly or is persistent can be a warning sign that your body isn’t getting the blood supply it needs. When circulation is compromised, muscles—including those in your arms and legs—don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. This can result in feeling lightheaded, wobbly, or unsteady. People sometimes even fall without warning, simply because their body doesn’t have the strength it needs. If you’re experiencing weakness without a clear cause, don’t dismiss it as just aging or stress.

Dizziness and Cold Sweats
When your brain isn’t receiving enough blood, you might feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint. Cold sweats—breaking out into a sudden clammy sweat without physical exertion or heat—can also be a response to low blood flow. These symptoms may occur during rest or be triggered by light activity. This combination can be especially dangerous and is often reported in the hours or days before a heart attack. Never assume it’s “just dehydration” or “nothing serious” without checking in with a medical professional.

Chest Discomfort or Pressure
This is the most well-known symptom of an impending heart attack. However, it doesn’t always feel like the dramatic chest clutch you see in the movies. Many people describe it as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or a sense of fullness. It may come and go, or gradually intensify over time. Sometimes the pain radiates to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. If you feel something strange or uncomfortable in your chest—especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms on this list—take it seriously.

Flu-like Symptoms
Odd as it may seem, some people experience symptoms that mimic the flu in the days leading up to a heart attack. These can include fatigue, body aches, nausea, or even a low-grade fever. While it’s easy to mistake this for a seasonal virus or minor bug, you should remain cautious, especially if you don’t typically get sick or if you’re in a high-risk group.

So What Should You Do?
If you or someone around you starts to exhibit any of these symptoms—especially in combination—don’t wait. Call your doctor or head to the emergency room. Time is everything when it comes to preventing a heart attack. The earlier the diagnosis, the more effective the treatment and the better the outcome.

Living a heart-healthy life means being aware of your body, maintaining regular check-ups, managing stress, staying active, and eating a balanced diet. But perhaps just as important is knowing when to act. Ignoring the warning signs can cost you your life. Taking them seriously might just save it.

So the next time your body feels “off,” don’t just push through it. Tune in, take note, and take action. Because your heart’s health isn’t just about the moment—it’s about your future.