80% of people report the same 5 symptoms a month before a heart attack

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The study is a stark reminder that heart attacks always come suddenly.

Heart attacks are thought to come suddenly, but that's rare. Aside from complications you didn't know about, there are plenty of red flags that can alert you along the way. And it's not just about bad lifestyle decisions. Symptoms may appear earlier.

A new study provides insight into common symptoms that precede heart attacks in men.

The study identified common symptoms that preceded heart attacks in 567 men ages 35 to 65, based on a retrospective chart review.

Nearly 80 percent of these symptoms occurred between four weeks and one hour before the sudden cardiac arrest. Of those who had symptoms, 56 percent had chest pain; 13 percent had shortness of breath; and 4 percent had dizziness, fainting or a fast heartbeat.

The two main treatments for heart attacks are:

• Using drugs to dissolve blood clots
• Surgery to help restore blood flow to the heart