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Heart attacks aren’t always marked by chest pain. Learn the unusual signs, fatigue, jaw pain, shortness of breath, and cold sweats that could save your life.
Chest pain isn’t the only warning, learn the unusual signs of a heart attack and stay one step ahead of your heart health
A heart attack can present a broad spectrum of symptoms, some so minor or unusual that they are easily confused with other health issues. Recognizing these less pronounced signs could save a life.
Dr. Aseem Dhall, Director & HOD, Cardiac Sciences, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, shares what you need to know:
More Than Just Chest Pain
Although the most common symptom of a heart attack is crushing chest pain, known as angina, it is not always experienced. Signs can be atypical, particularly in the elderly, women, and people with diabetes. One moment you may feel well, and the next, you might experience overwhelming exhaustion, lightheadedness, or dizziness. These symptoms are often mistaken for fatigue or stress, but they could be your body signaling that something is wrong.
Warning Bells
Watch out for the following signs:
Pain Beyond the Chest: Discomfort may occur in the shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw, or even the stomach. It may feel sharp, stabbing, or like muscle soreness, and can easily be confused with indigestion or muscular pain.
Unexplained Fatigue: Sudden and unusual exhaustion, where even mundane tasks become difficult, is a common but often unrecognized symptom, particularly in women.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing without an obvious cause may or may not accompany chest pain. This goes beyond being mildly out of breath; it’s a deeper sensation of not getting enough air.
Nausea or Vomiting: These symptoms are easily mistaken for a stomach bug, but when combined with sweating or shortness of breath, they may indicate a heart attack.
Cold Sweats and Dizziness: Sudden sweating without an obvious reason, often accompanied by lightheadedness or vertigo, can also signal a heart issue.
Your body is communicating with you. Learn to listen. If you experience any combination of unusual fatigue, jaw or back pain, shortness of breath, or cold sweats, seek medical attention immediately. Your heart cannot be left to chance.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 11, 2025, 20:08 IST
