These 5 Overlooked Symptoms Can Signal a Heart Attack, a Cardiologist Warns
When most people picture a heart attack, they default to the Hollywood version. Someone freezes mid-step in a restaurant, grabs their chest, and collapses in obvious distress. If you’ve known someone who’s had one, they may have described it in similar terms, crushing pressure or a heavy weight planted in the center of the chest. That image is so ingrained it feels definitive, but real life is often less cinematic.
"Chest pain gets attention because it is the classic symptom taught in medical school and portrayed in movies," says board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jack M. Wolfson. "But it is not the most common presentation, especially in women, older adults, and people with metabolic or inflammatory conditions."
In other words, waiting for that unmistakable chest grab can cost you. If you’re expecting a dramatic, on-the-floor moment that never comes, you could overlook subtler warning signs your body is already sending.
The Heart Attack Symptoms Most People Miss
- Shortness of breath with activity that used to be easy
- Unexplained fatigue or reduced stamina
- Palpitations or a racing or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially with exertion
- Nausea or indigestion-like discomfort associated with exertion or stress
When to Take Note
None of these symptoms on their own automatically mean you’re having a heart attack. Life is stressful, sleep gets cut short, and training ramps up. There are plenty of everyday reasons you might feel winded, fatigued, or a little off that don't signal trouble.
"Heart disease is a pattern problem, not a single symptom problem," says Wolfson. "The body gives clues. Our job is to recognize them early, not explain them away."
The difference is pattern and persistence. If something that used to feel easy suddenly doesn’t, or a symptom keeps showing up without a clear explanation, that’s when it deserves your attention. Especially if it’s tied to exertion or stress and doesn’t resolve the way it normally would. If you're experiencing new or persistant symptoms from the list above, it might be worth talking to your doctor.
Related: Microplastics Have Been Found in Human Arteries. Here’s Why Doctors Are Paying Attention