Did you know that the leading cause of death in the United States is heart attacks? The stressful lifestyle and junk food consumption have greatly contributed to the prevalence and danger of this illness in recent years. While leading a healthy lifestyle and reducing stress can help protect against heart failure, recognizing the symptoms of an impending heart attack can be lifesaving.

Here are seven signs that you might have a heart attack within a month. Always treat these as red flags:

Swollen Feet
Swollen feet can indicate congestive heart failure. When one or both of your heart’s lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively, blood can back up in your legs, ankles, and feet, causing edema.
Fatigue
Narrowed arteries reduce the blood flow to your heart, forcing it to work much harder than usual. This can leave you feeling overly tired and drowsy almost all the time.

Shortness of Breath
Reduced blood flow to your heart means less oxygen reaches your lungs. The interdependence of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems means that difficulty in breathing could signal a looming heart attack. Consult a doctor if you experience this symptom.

Weakness
Sudden weakness may occur when narrowed arteries impede proper blood circulation. Your muscles aren’t getting the blood supply they need, which could lead to unexpected falls.

Dizziness and Cold Sweats
Poor circulation restricts blood flow to your brain, causing dizziness and clamminess. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening symptom that should not be ignored.

6. Chest Pressure
Onset symptoms of a heart attack often include chest discomfort, which can range from minor pain to significant pressure. This discomfort typically increases until the attack itself occurs.

Flu or Cold Symptoms
Unexpected flu-like symptoms could be a sign that a heart attack is imminent. Many people report feeling as though they have developed a cold just days before their attack.

How to Handle This:
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early recognition of these symptoms is the best way to prevent a heart attack.

Dr. Travis Stork on the Symptoms of Heart Attack: