The symptoms that may occur in the month before a heart attack—known as prodromal symptoms—are similar to the symptoms that can occur during a heart attack. These include things like chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

There are other symptoms that are less typical, and each person’s experience is different. Some people don’t experience any symptoms at all.

This article discusses the six most common heart attack symptoms in the month before a heart attack, as well as those that happen less frequently. It also addresses what often happens right before a heart attack occurs.

1) Chest Pain

A 2023 cross-sectional study looked at 242 people who had experienced a heart attack. Of those 242 people, 100 experienced prodromal symptoms—minor symptoms before the onset of a more severe condition—in their case, a heart attack. In this study, chest pain was the most common symptom, with 68% of people experiencing it preceding their heart attack.

2) Chest Heaviness

The same study found that 44% of people who had prodromal symptoms described episodes of chest heaviness, tightness, or pressure, often associated with exertion. This is another common symptom affecting those who will go on to have a heart attack.

3) Heart Palpitations

The 2023 cross-sectional study also found that 42% of those with early heart attack symptoms had heart palpitations. Heart palpitations occur when your heart is pumping too fast or too hard. It may even feel as if your heart is skipping a beat.

4) Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is often indicative of cardiovascular (heart) disease. You may struggle to catch your breath, whether walking or doing something physical, and sometimes even at rest, feeling as if your lungs can’t get enough air.

5) Chest Burning

A burning sensation in your chest is another potential sign of an impending heart attack. Chest burning due to heart disease can feel like heartburn (and vice versa).

Note the timing of your symptoms (e.g., after consuming a spicy meal that typically triggers heartburn) and any additional symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms in this article or other abnormal symptoms, seek medical care.

6) Fatigue

You may feel extra tired from time to time, but feeling extremely fatigued may signify a more serious issue. If you experience persistent fatigue and can’t identify the underlying cause, follow up with a healthcare provider.

Heart Attack Symptoms: Females vs. Males

Although females and males typically—though not always—experience chest pain as a heart attack symptom, females are more likely to have other symptoms that you may associate with a heart attack. These symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Nausea

It’s also more common for females to dismiss these symptoms and attribute them to a less serious problem instead of seeking help. Yet that can delay lifesaving care.

Atypical Heart Attack Warning Symptoms

An increase in conditions such as obesity and high blood pressure contributes to a greater risk of heart attacks among young people. That’s why it’s important for adults of any age to be aware of heart attack warning symptoms.
In addition to the classic heart attack warning symptoms, some less common symptoms may occur in the month before a heart attack.

Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded at times when you didn’t feel it previously. The dizziness may happen because of less blood flow to the brain associated with a blockage. Let a healthcare provider know if you’re feeling dizzy alongside other pre-heart attack symptoms.