4. Chest Discomfort: Not Always a Heart Attack
A tight squeeze or pressure in your chest, especially during activity, isn’t always dramatic. Tom, 66, felt it gardening. “It was like a weight, not sharp,” he said. Angina, from reduced heart blood flow, signals blockages, per a 2022 American Heart Journal study. Tom’s cardiologist caught it early. You thinking, “It’s just indigestion?” If it recurs with effort, check it. The next one’s a surprising giveaway.
5. Jaw or Arm Pain: An Unexpected Warning
Ever feel an odd ache in your jaw or arm, unrelated to strain? Lisa, 71, noticed it during brisk walks. “I thought it was dental,” she admitted. Referred pain from blocked arteries can radiate, per a 2021 study in Cardiology Clinics. Lisa’s scan showed a blockage needing stents. If these aches pair with exertion, don’t dismiss them. But there’s more—a less obvious sign lurks.
6. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A Subtle Alarm
Standing up too fast makes you woozy, but what if it happens randomly? Robert, 68, felt dizzy during golf swings. “I nearly fell,” he recalled. Reduced brain blood flow from carotid artery blockages can cause this, per a 2020 Stroke journal study. Robert’s ultrasound caught it early. You might think, “Low blood sugar?” If frequent, it’s worth a check. The next sign’s a daily nuisance.
7. Cold Sweats or Nausea: Not Just Nerves
Sudden clammy skin or queasiness without cause? Patricia, 65, felt it during book club. “I blamed stress,” she said. These can signal heart strain from blockages, per a 2019 Journal of Emergency Medicine study. Patricia’s EKG flagged issues, leading to treatment. Ever feel off without reason? It’s a clue. The final sign ties it all together.
