99% of heart attacks show these early warning signs, reveals new study

Heart disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, claiming nearly 17.9 million lives annually. But a new study has found that heart attacks and strokes rarely occur without warning. Researchers from South Korea and the United States, analysing data from millions of people, discovered that over 99% of individuals who suffered heart-related events had at least one identifiable risk factor, such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, cholesterol imbalance, or smoking history years before their diagnosis. The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, challenge the long-held belief that heart attacks strike suddenly, emphasising that most cases can be predicted and prevented.


Hidden signs of heart attacks most people ignore
Heart disease often develops silently. Warning signs can appear years before a major event, but they’re frequently dismissed as minor or unrelated. Cardiologists say symptoms such as persistent fatigue, mild shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, or recurring indigestion may signal underlying cardiovascular strain.
Other overlooked indicators include:

• Slightly high blood pressure or cholesterol without formal diagnosis
• Cramping in the calves during walks (poor circulation)
• Tightness in the jaw, arm, or chest
• Sudden sweating or unexplained anxiety
• Recognising and acting on these early signs could drastically cut heart disease risk.

Video

Why heart disease rarely strikes without warning
The research, involving more than 9 million South Koreans and thousands of Americans tracked for up to two decades, found that nearly every patient who experienced a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure had at least one non-optimal cardiovascular risk factor before the event. Even slight elevations in blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar were linked to future heart problems.

Dr Philip Greenland, professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University, noted that “even mild elevations” in these markers should be treated seriously through lifestyle changes or medication. The study reinforces that early intervention remains the best strategy to prevent deadly cardiac events.


The biggest culprits behind heart attacks
Experts point out that heart disease is rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, it develops from a combination of lifestyle and biological risks such as:

• Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure
• Sedentary habits and excess body weight
• Unhealthy diet rich in trans fats or added sugars
• Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure
• Chronic stress, depression, or poor sleep

The presence of even one of these risks can accelerate arterial damage, while combinations can increase the likelihood of heart attack severalfold.


The takeaway: Heart attacks don’t happen out of nowhere
The study offers a powerful message that heart attacks and strokes are rarely unpredictable. Most are the result of gradual, measurable changes in the body that, if detected early, can be reversed or controlled. Doctors urge people not to wait for symptoms but to proactively monitor their cardiovascular health.

In essence, your next check-up could be the most important step in preventing a future heart attack.