Heart Attack: 6 Early Warning Signs You Must Not Ignore

• Faster breathing than usual, especially when lying down, can indicate the heart isn't pumping blood efficiently, leading to oxygen deprivation in the lungs.
• Extreme fatigue and weakness, even after adequate rest, may signal weakened heart muscles failing to supply sufficient blood to vital organs.
• Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet (edema) is a key indicator of heart problems, as reduced pumping capacity causes fluid accumulation due to gravity.
• Persistent cough, particularly with white or pink phlegm, and noisy breathing or snoring, can point to fluid buildup in the lungs due to impaired heart function.
• Changes in heart rhythm (palpitations), like a suddenly fast or irregular heartbeat without exertion, could indicate heart valve issues or electrical defects.
• Confusion and lack of concentration may arise from disrupted oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.

Why It Matters: Recognize and act on early heart attack symptoms like breathing issues, fatigue, swelling, cough, palpitations, and confusion.