A heart attack can strike silently, without the classic chest pain, making it harder to detect. Experts say nearly half of heart attacks go unnoticed, especially in women and people with diabetes. Warning signs include mild chest discomfort, pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and cold sweating. Sleep problems and conditions like sleep apnea can also raise the risk. Heart disease risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, stress, and family history. Doctors urge regular check-ups and lifestyle changes—like quitting smoking, exercising, and eating healthy—to catch problems early and protect your heart.
