Heart Attacks: Recognising the Signs Before It’s Too Late

Cardiovascular disease, particularly heart attack, is one of the most widespread health challenges of modern times, often described as a “disease of the century” alongside cancer and stroke. Despite its prevalence, it remains surprisingly under-discussed, even though almost everyone is indirectly affected through family or close acquaintances. This silence obscures the complexity of the condition and limits broader understanding of how and why heart attacks occur.

A heart attack is commonly explained as the result of arteries gradually becoming clogged until blood flow to the heart is blocked. While this description accurately captures the final event, it does not fully explain the processes unfolding in the body during the months or years leading up to an acute episode. The more important question is not only what happens at the moment of blockage, but what changes are taking place long before symptoms appear.

Key Causes Leading to Heart Attacks

Inflammation is a major underlying cause. When the body experiences inflammation due to infection, stress or other triggers—it activates protective processes. In response to inflammation or injury, the body may produce cholesterol to repair damaged tissue. Excess cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup, narrowing the arteries. Plaque doesn’t always develop slowly over decades; under certain conditions, it can form quickly. This sudden buildup can increase the risk of a heart attack even over a short period of time. Plaque forms as a response to injury or inflammation in the arterial wall. The immune system sends cells to repair the damage, which can accumulate cholesterol, fats and cellular debris, forming plaques. However, cholesterol alone isn’t the cause—it’s the interaction of cholesterol, inflammation and arterial damage that leads to plaque. Plaque is a byproduct of the body’s repair mechanisms.

Inflammation can be triggered by many factors. Stress is one of the most common causes, quietly affecting the body over time. Viruses are another major trigger—any kind of virus can enter the body if the immune system is weakened, potentially leading to serious consequences. Essentially, anything that challenges or overwhelms the immune system can provoke inflammation. Long-term patterns of lifestyle, habits and inner attitudes also contribute to vulnerability to illness, shaping how the body responds to stress and injury over time. This is why maintaining a strong immune system is so important, it helps protect the body from infections, reduces chronic inflammation and lowers the risk of heart-related complications.

Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Doctors can easily describe what happens to the body on a physical level, such as the severe chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or dizziness that appear during a heart attack. However, they rarely examine the deeper biochemical processes influenced by our emotions—how stress, anger, guilt, fear, anxiety or other strong emotions can trigger chemical changes that affect the heart. Beyond these classic symptoms, there are often subtler warning signs in the days or weeks leading up to a heart attack. Some people may experience a persistent high temperature, heartburn-like discomfort, pain in the arm and shoulder or unusual sensations around the chest and lung area. Being aware of these early signs can be crucial in preventing a full-blown heart attack.

A persistent or unexplained fever lasting several days or weeks may indicate underlying inflammation affecting the heart.

Heartburn or indigestion-like discomfort can also occur, often mistaken for digestive issues.

Pain or discomfort radiating to the arm and shoulder is another early indicator, as are pressure, tightness or unusual sensations around the chest, upper back or lung area.

Feeling unusually tired, weak or short of breath during normal activities may also signal that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen.

In the next part of this series, I will focus on recovery after a heart attack. I’ll share practical recommendations for rebuilding strength, managing diet, monitoring heart health and supporting emotional well-being.It will provide insights and strategies to help make the process smoother and more effective.

A LIST OF POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS

• Persistent or unexplained fever: A high temperature lasting more than a few days or weeks may indicate underlying inflammation affecting the heart.
• Heartburn or indigestion-like discomfort: Some people experience a burning sensation in the chest, which can be mistaken for digestive issues.
• Pain in the arm and shoulder: Discomfort or pain radiating to the left arm, right arm, or shoulders is often an early indicator of heart strain.
• Chest and upper-body sensations: Pressure, tightness, or unusual sensations around the chest, upper back, or lung area can be warning signs.
• Shortness of breath or fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, weak or breathless during normal activities may indicate that the heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen.

Zepyur Batikyan

Health & Wellness Coach