In our fast-paced society, many people struggle with demanding schedules that increase stress and negatively impact health. Coupled with the prevalence of fast food in the American diet, managing weight and combating obesity becomes more challenging.

These lifestyle factors significantly raise the risk of heart failure and heart attacks, which remain the leading causes of death in the United States.

Recent research highlights that the body may signal impending heart attacks in advance, underscoring the need to be attentive to these warning signs.

Identifying and addressing the following symptoms could help mitigate this risk:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lethargy, often due to reduced blood flow from narrowed arteries, may indicate underlying heart issues and should not be ignored.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, signaling low oxygen levels reaching the lungs, requires prompt medical evaluation to rule out heart-related problems.
• Weakness: Sudden, unexplained weakness serves as a reminder to reassess your lifestyle and focus on your health.
• Dizziness and Cold Sweats: These symptoms, which may result from poor circulation, necessitate further investigation to address potential cardiovascular concerns.
• Chest Pressure: Increasing chest pressure is a critical symptom of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious cardiac events.
• Flu or Cold-like Symptoms: Experiencing flu-like symptoms in the days before a heart attack should not be overlooked, as they may signal underlying cardiac distress.

For more insights on recognizing and managing heart attack symptoms, consider watching educational videos by Dr. Travis Stork.