According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one person dies of cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds, making heart disease the leading cause of death for men and women.

“A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood,” the CDC writes. “The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart muscle.”

But a recent study – published in the National Library of Medicine – explains that some symptoms are present one month before the attack, giving people ample time to get medical help.

Let’s review some of these symptoms so you can identify when you’re having heart-related issues.

Unusual fatigue

Feeling tired after a long day is normal, but extreme, unexplained fatigue? That could be a warning sign. Many women report feeling drained weeks before a heart attack – sometimes even without any chest pain.

Warning signs:

• You’re exhausted even after a full night’s sleep.
• Simple tasks (like walking or climbing stairs) leave you unusually drained.
• Sudden, severe fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.

Many people dismiss this as stress or overwork, but if you notice this persistent tiredness, especially paired with other symptoms, don’t ignore it.

Shortness of breath

If you suddenly feel like you can’t catch your breath, even without exercise or exertion, your heart could be struggling.

Warning signs:

• You’re gasping for air after light activity (or even while resting).
• You feel lightheaded or dizzy along with breathlessness.
• Lying down makes breathing harder.

This symptom is frequently mistaken for anxiety, asthma, or lack of fitness, but sudden breathlessness could indicate a heart attack in progress.

Chest pain

Chest pain is the most well-known heart attack symptom, but it doesn’t always show up the way you expect.

Warning signs:

• A mild tightness, squeezing, or pressure in the chest.
• The pain may come and go rather than being constant.
• “Heartburn, also called indigestion,” explains the Mayo Clinic.

For women, it doesn’t always feel like the classic “elephant on the chest” sensation that men often describe. It’s often less intense, making it easier to overlook or attribute to acid reflux.

Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or shoulders

Women are more likely than men to experience pain in the upper body rather than just the chest.

Warning signs:

• Dull, aching pain in the jaw, back, or shoulders.
• Discomfort that spreads down one or both arms.
• The pain may come and go or wake you up at night.

This kind of pain is often misdiagnosed as muscle strain or arthritis, delaying proper treatment.

Nausea, indigestion, or stomach pain

Stomach-related symptoms can be a major sign or a heart attack, which is why it’s frequently mistaken for food poisoning or the flu.

Warning signs:

• Nausea or a sick feeling in your stomach.
• Unexplained vomiting or intense indigestion.
• A heavy, uncomfortable sensation in the upper abdomen.

Since these symptoms mimic acid reflux or stomach bugs, people make the critical error of ignoring them.

Cold sweats and dizziness

A sudden wave of cold sweat (not caused by heat or exertion) could be your heart trying to warn you.

Warning signs:

• Profuse sweating that seems out of nowhere.
• Feeling clammy, lightheaded, or faint.
• A sensation similar to a panic attack.

Sweating heavily while at rest is not normal – it could signal a heart attack, especially if paired with other symptoms.

Sleep disturbances

People, especially women, who experience heart attacks often recall having poor sleep leading up to the event.

Warning signs:

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Waking up feeling anxious or breathless.
• Night sweats or discomfort disrupting sleep.

While sleep issues can have many causes, persistent disturbances could indicate an underlying heart problem.

Heart palpitations

Feeling like your heart is fluttering, racing, or skipping beats could signal more than just stress or too much caffeine.

Warning signs:

• A rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• A feeling that your heart is pounding in your chest.
• Dizziness or weakness along with the palpitations.

While occasional palpitations are normal, frequent or unexplained irregular heartbeats could be a sign of heart disease.

If you experience any of the symptoms above – especially if they come on suddenly or feel unusual – contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Listen to your body, trust your instincts, and never ignore unusual symptoms. Please let us know what you think of this story and then share it with all your friends – you might be saving someone’s life!

While a little sweetness in life is fine, too much sugar can cause a range of health problems, some of which you might not even realize are connected to your diet. Here are ten warning signs that you may be overdoing it on sugar.

1. Constant Cravings for Sweets

If you find yourself reaching for something sweet after every meal, your body might be hooked. Sugar can be addictive, creating a cycle where the more you eat, the more you crave. Cutting back slowly can help break the habit.

2. Frequent Fatigue and Low Energy

A sugary snack might give you a quick burst of energy, but it often leads to an energy crash soon after.

This happens because it spikes your blood sugar levels, only for them to plummet shortly after, leaving you feeling drained, per Backus Hospital.

3. Increased Hunger, Even After Eating

Sugar interferes with the hormones that regulate hunger, making it easier to overeat, Everyday Health details. If you’re always hungry, even after a meal, too much sugar could be throwing your appetite out of balance.

4. Frequent Breakouts or Skin Issues

Excess sugar can cause inflammation in the body, which may show up as acne, redness, or other skin problems. If you notice your skin acting up, cutting back on sugar could help clear things up.

5. Weight Gain, Especially Around the Belly

Sugary foods are high in empty calories, meaning they don’t provide essential nutrients but can still contribute to weight gain. They also increase fat storage, especially around the midsection.

6. Joint Pain and Stiffness

Sugar promotes inflammation, which can make joint pain worse. If your knees, fingers, or other joints feel achy, your sugar intake could be playing a role.

7. Brain Fog or Trouble Focusing

If you find it hard to concentrate or experience frequent memory lapses, sugar could be to blame. High sugar consumption has been linked to impaired brain function and even an increased risk of cognitive decline over time.

8. Frequent Bloating or Digestive Issues

Too much sugar can feed bad bacteria in the gut, leading to bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort. Cutting back and increasing fiber intake can help restore balance.

9. More Frequent Colds and Infections

Sugar weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. If you find yourself getting sick often, reducing sugar could help strengthen your immune defenses.

10. Trouble Sleeping

A sugar-heavy diet can disrupt sleep patterns, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Balancing your blood sugar by avoiding sweets before bed can improve sleep quality.

How to Cut Back

If you recognize these warning signs, the good news is that making small changes can help. Try swapping sugary snacks for whole foods, reading labels carefully, and choosing natural sweeteners like honey or fruit in moderation. Over time, your body will adjust, and you’ll feel the benefits of a healthier diet.

Did this help you? Let us know your thoughts!

One audience member on the Rachael Ray Show was treated to a shocking makeover by Queer Eye star Kyan Douglas.

The man, who looked like he was fresh of the set of Duck Dynasty, stepped on stage in denim overalls, shaggy long hair and a scruffy beard to match.

Despite his gruff exterior, the hardworking man had a huge heart and admitted that he let his appearance slip through the cracks.

“How far are you willing to go, my friend?” asked the host of the man, who stood on the stage with his wife alongside Douglas – the stylist – and Elena Lizares, the founder of Razzle Dazzle Barbershop.

“Are you willing to go naked up here,” Ray asked, referring to his shaggy hair. “You want a little beard left, or what?”

Without hesitating, the man responded, “She married me with nothing on my face I’m willing to go that far,” he said as the audience erupted in “awes,” and supported his willingness to go all the way.

The big reveal

When he finally stepped back out on stage for the big reveal of his makeover, he had completely transformed from rugged and ready to stylish and sophisticated.

The man was freshly shaven with sleek short hair, and was wearing black pants, and a gray sweater that was paired with a black leather jacket.

When he was asked to turn around and look at the big screen that projected his image behind him, he first felt his smooth face and then wiped away his tears.

The camera panned over to his wife, who at the time was watching the jaw-dropping moment from the audience.

After wiping the tears from her eyes, she raced up to the stage and embraced her handsome husband following his makeover.

“You got sexy back,” Lizares said to the man, who was still clutching his wife in his arms.

“I’ve been razzle dazzled,” he joked.

Meanwhile, online fans expressed their absolute shock over his drab to fab transformation, gushing over his amazing reveal.

One netizen writes in the comments section of the YouTube clip, “You cannot imagine it is the same person… wow… sooo handsome, so beautiful…”

“Wow! There was a handsome man hiding under all that hair! And about 10 years younger!” shares another. A third adds, “Wow, he looks so much younger!! Hubba Hubba!! Handsome guy.”

This was such a great clip to watch! The gentleman’s confidence seemed so much greater after seeing his makeover! Please let us know what you think of his transformation and then share this story so we can hear from others!