#37 Heart Attack Warning Signals By Lord Dr Paul Martin (HonDSc), WKA World Vice President What You Need to Know Heart attacks rarely happen “out of the blue.” In many cases, the body gives us warning signals days, weeks, or even months in advance. The challenge is that these signals can be subtle, easy to dismiss, or mistaken for something less serious. Understanding them—and acting quickly—can make the difference between life and death (NHS, 2023). Why Early Recognition Matters In the UK, someone is admitted to hospital with a heart attack every five minutes (British Heart Foundation, 2024). A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, often by a clot in a coronary artery. Without oxygen, heart tissue begins to die within minutes. The sooner treatment is received, the better the chances of survival and recovery (NHS, 2023). Recognising early warning signals empowers us to act swiftly and seek medical care before irreversible damage occurs (Mayo Clinic...