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[EBCT Scheduling Information](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/contents/patient-resources/ebct-scheduling-information) - [Nuclear Stress Test](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/contents/patient-resources/nuclear-stress-test) - [Sleep Study](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/contents/patient-resources/sleep-study) - [Vein Ablation Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/contents/patient-resources/vein-ablation-pre-op-post-op-instructions) - [Health Tips](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/contents/patient-resources/health-tips) - [Blog](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/blog) - [Testimonials](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/testimonials) - [Contact](mailto:whvi.veins@gmail.com) - [832-562-3974](tel:8325623974) - [Book Online]() - [Vein Clinic](https://mycw141.ecwcloud.com/portal19699/jsp/100mp/login_otp.jsp) # 4 Surprising Signs of a Heart Attack [Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute](http://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/) [Blog](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/blog) [4 Surprising Signs of a Heart Attack](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/blog/4-surprising-signs-of-a-heart-attack) - [Share](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodlandsheartinstitute.com%2Fblog%2F4-surprising-signs-of-a-heart-attack) - [](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodlandsheartinstitute.com%2Fblog%2F4-surprising-signs-of-a-heart-attack&description=Woodlands+Heart+and+Vascular+Institute+Blog%3A+4+Surprising+Signs+of+a+Heart+Attack) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)  Only [half of adults](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/reader/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950) recognize the five most common [heart attack](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/services/heart-attack) symptoms. That leaves many people who don’t know the most common signs, much less other unexpected symptoms. Dr. Laura Fernandes and our team at [Woodlands Heart & Vascular Institute](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/about) prioritize teaching people about the signs of heart problems and when to seek medical care. Getting treatment for a heart attack within one hour can limit the extent of the damage and improve your recovery. That’s why it's essential to recognize all the signs of a heart attack, whether well-known or surprising. Let’s begin with the typical signs, then explore the unexpected symptoms, including silent heart attacks. ## Chest pain during a heart attack While [chest pain](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/services/chest-pain) is the top sign of a heart attack, [one in three people](https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/heart-attack/signs-and-symptoms) don’t experience chest pain. Your chances of having chest discomfort are lower if you’re a woman, age 75 or older, have heart failure or diabetes, or had a previous stroke. The type of chest pain varies in each person. The pain usually occurs in the center or left side of your chest but it could be severe, mild, sharp, or aching. The pain might stay constant, rapidly intensify, or come and go. Instead of pain, some people feel intense chest pressure. One sign you can depend on: No matter how you experience chest pain, it will not improve if a heart attack causes it. Other common symptoms After chest pain, the four most common heart attack symptoms include: - Shortness of breath - Pain in one or both arms and shoulders - Pain in the jaw, neck, or back - Lightheadedness (dizziness) You may have one or more of these symptoms with or without chest pain. ## Four unexpected signs Women are more likely than men to experience the following heart attack symptoms, but they can appear in anyone: ### 1\. Unexplained fatigue You may feel exhausted in the days or weeks before having a heart attack. For many, fatigue appears suddenly and is often intense, worse than they would expect if it was due to work or life stress. ### 2\. Stomach pain and nausea Referred pain is discomfort that originates in one body area that you feel in another location. You can feel heart pain in your abdomen. As a result, the pain of a heart attack may cause stomach pain and nausea. ### 3\. Sudden cold sweat A cold sweat alone isn’t dangerous. But breaking out in a cold sweat (sweating even though you feel cold) signals an underlying health condition, such as: - Heart attack - [Coronary artery disease](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/services/coronary-artery-disease) - Infection - Low blood sugar - Thyroid disorder These conditions all need prompt medical care. If any other heart attack symptoms accompany your sweating, call 911 for emergency attention. ### 4\. Feeling of anxiety or doom Some people experience a sudden, unexplainable feeling of anxiety or impending doom. This feeling may occur as your brain responds to reduced blood flow to your heart (the cause of heart attacks). The brain interprets the signs of a potentially life-threatening event and releases hormones that trigger your sense of doom. ## Silent heart attack The American Heart Association reports that [one in five people](https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/06/23/silent-heart-attacks-all-too-common-and-often-overlooked) who have a heart attack have no symptoms or minimal symptoms that don’t seem like they’re related to the heart — a silent heart attack. Most people recall having symptoms that were too mild to raise red flags about a heart problem. They remember having heartburn, indigestion, or flu-like symptoms. Some thought they pulled a muscle or were tired due to their busy schedule or lack of sleep. It’s crucial to be aware of these subtle signs so you can schedule a health checkup. Having a silent heart attack damages the heart muscles and increases your risk of congestive heart failure and strokes. ## Heart attack prevention Don’t hesitate to seek medical help with any questions or worries about your symptoms. Healthcare providers always take signs of a heart attack seriously. They run diagnostics to check your heart and be sure you’re not having an attack. You can also protect your health and prevent a heart attack by scheduling a cardiology risk assessment. We take care of essential testing in the office, such as electrocardiograms (EEGs) and echocardiograms. After completing your assessment and evaluating diagnostic tests, we can tell you if you’re at risk for heart problems. Then, we work with you to create a plan to lower risk and prevent cardiovascular disease. [Call Woodlands Heart & Vascular Institute](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/contactus) or complete the online form to request an evaluation. ## You Might Also Enjoy... [ 7 Surprising Ways Stress Can Hurt Your Heart](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/blog/7-surprising-ways-stress-can-hurt-your-heart) Inactivity, unhealthy eating, and smoking aren’t the only major modifiable risk factors for heart disease. Learn more about the harmful cardiovascular effects of chronic stress — including the lesser-known ways it can hurt your heart. [ What’s Chronic Venous Insufficiency — and Do I Have It?](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/blog/whats-chronic-venous-insufficiency-and-do-i-have-it) Millions of Americans live with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), or poor circulation. Understanding how it develops can help you prevent it, and knowing how to spot its early warning signs can help you halt its progression. Learn more here. [ Don’t Be a Statistic: 6 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/blog/dont-be-a-statistic-6-ways-to-prevent-heart-disease) Heart disease causes one-third of all deaths in the United States each year. Here’s how heart-healthy living today can lower your risk of becoming part of this grim statistic tomorrow. [ What to Do if Someone Is Having a Heart Attack](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/blog/what-to-do-if-someone-is-having-a-heart-attack) Time is of the essence when someone is having a heart attack. Knowing how to spot — and quickly respond to — the warning signs can give a heart attack victim their best possible shot at living to see another day. [ Angioplasty and Stenting to Treat a Heart Attack: How It Protects Your Heart Health](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/blog/angioplasty-and-stenting-to-treat-a-heart-attack-how-it-protects-your-heart-health) When a heart attack strikes, your life depends on prompt treatment. Here’s how coronary angioplasty with stenting, the go-to emergency intervention for heart attacks, can protect your heart health and save your life. [ Holiday Travel with Varicose Veins](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/blog/holiday-travel-with-varicose-veins) The holidays are nearly here, and you’re busy making travel plans. If you have varicose veins, now’s a great time to learn about the simple precautions you can take to keep your circulation moving, whether you’ll be in the air or on the road. - © Copyright 2026 [Tebra Inc](https://www.tebra.com/marketing/practice-websites/). - [Privacy Policy](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/your-privacy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/our-terms) - [Accessibility Notice](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/accessibility-statement) - [Contact Us](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/contactus) Woodlands Heart and Vascular Institute, The Woodlands, TX Phone (appointments): 832-562-3974 \| Phone (general inquiries): 832-562-3974 Address: 920 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 520, The Woodlands, TX 77380 - 4\.92/5 - 4\.92/5 Star Rating (204 reviews) Medical website powered by [Tebra](https://www.tebra.com/marketing/practice-websites/) ×

 Only [half of adults](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/reader/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950) recognize the five most common [heart attack](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/services/heart-attack) symptoms. That leaves many people who don’t know the most common signs, much less other unexpected symptoms. Dr. Laura Fernandes and our team at [Woodlands Heart & Vascular Institute](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/about) prioritize teaching people about the signs of heart problems and when to seek medical care. Getting treatment for a heart attack within one hour can limit the extent of the damage and improve your recovery. That’s why it's essential to recognize all the signs of a heart attack, whether well-known or surprising. Let’s begin with the typical signs, then explore the unexpected symptoms, including silent heart attacks. ## Chest pain during a heart attack While [chest pain](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/services/chest-pain) is the top sign of a heart attack, [one in three people](https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/heart-attack/signs-and-symptoms) don’t experience chest pain. Your chances of having chest discomfort are lower if you’re a woman, age 75 or older, have heart failure or diabetes, or had a previous stroke. The type of chest pain varies in each person. The pain usually occurs in the center or left side of your chest but it could be severe, mild, sharp, or aching. The pain might stay constant, rapidly intensify, or come and go. Instead of pain, some people feel intense chest pressure. One sign you can depend on: No matter how you experience chest pain, it will not improve if a heart attack causes it. Other common symptoms After chest pain, the four most common heart attack symptoms include: - Shortness of breath - Pain in one or both arms and shoulders - Pain in the jaw, neck, or back - Lightheadedness (dizziness) You may have one or more of these symptoms with or without chest pain. ## Four unexpected signs Women are more likely than men to experience the following heart attack symptoms, but they can appear in anyone: ### 1\. Unexplained fatigue You may feel exhausted in the days or weeks before having a heart attack. For many, fatigue appears suddenly and is often intense, worse than they would expect if it was due to work or life stress. ### 2\. Stomach pain and nausea Referred pain is discomfort that originates in one body area that you feel in another location. You can feel heart pain in your abdomen. As a result, the pain of a heart attack may cause stomach pain and nausea. ### 3\. Sudden cold sweat A cold sweat alone isn’t dangerous. But breaking out in a cold sweat (sweating even though you feel cold) signals an underlying health condition, such as: - Heart attack - [Coronary artery disease](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/services/coronary-artery-disease) - Infection - Low blood sugar - Thyroid disorder These conditions all need prompt medical care. If any other heart attack symptoms accompany your sweating, call 911 for emergency attention. ### 4\. Feeling of anxiety or doom Some people experience a sudden, unexplainable feeling of anxiety or impending doom. This feeling may occur as your brain responds to reduced blood flow to your heart (the cause of heart attacks). The brain interprets the signs of a potentially life-threatening event and releases hormones that trigger your sense of doom. ## Silent heart attack The American Heart Association reports that [one in five people](https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/06/23/silent-heart-attacks-all-too-common-and-often-overlooked) who have a heart attack have no symptoms or minimal symptoms that don’t seem like they’re related to the heart — a silent heart attack. Most people recall having symptoms that were too mild to raise red flags about a heart problem. They remember having heartburn, indigestion, or flu-like symptoms. Some thought they pulled a muscle or were tired due to their busy schedule or lack of sleep. It’s crucial to be aware of these subtle signs so you can schedule a health checkup. Having a silent heart attack damages the heart muscles and increases your risk of congestive heart failure and strokes. ## Heart attack prevention Don’t hesitate to seek medical help with any questions or worries about your symptoms. Healthcare providers always take signs of a heart attack seriously. They run diagnostics to check your heart and be sure you’re not having an attack. You can also protect your health and prevent a heart attack by scheduling a cardiology risk assessment. We take care of essential testing in the office, such as electrocardiograms (EEGs) and echocardiograms. After completing your assessment and evaluating diagnostic tests, we can tell you if you’re at risk for heart problems. Then, we work with you to create a plan to lower risk and prevent cardiovascular disease. [Call Woodlands Heart & Vascular Institute](https://www.woodlandsheartinstitute.com/contactus) or complete the online form to request an evaluation.