Heart disease is the most common reason for death across the globe and claims the lives of millions every year. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) the cardiovascular disease causes more than 18 million deaths each year, and a large portion of these deaths can be prevented through prompt recognition and treatment.
The issue is that symptoms are often subtle and hidden as common discomforts. But the body seldom remains silent. Here are 12 warning signs that experts suggest you should not overlook, and instead make an appointment with your heart doctor.
Chest Pain
The most common sign of a coronary heart condition is pressure in the chest, commonly called a squeeze, an intense sensation. It is reported by the American Heart Association that angina, a chest pain caused by decreased circulation of blood to the heart muscle, can be a sign of an attack on the heart. It can occur after exercise or stress, and then disappear after relaxation.
Breathing difficulties
If a flight of stairs makes you gasp in a way that is unnatural to the effort, it could be a sign of heart disease. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology indicates that breathlessness is associated with heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump properly, which causes excessive fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Persistent Fatigue
The reason for the exhaustion that isn’t explained is more than simple exhaustion. It is a sign of heart failure. British Heart Foundation highlights fatigue as a typical symptom that indicates heart disease, especially in women, who might not be suffering from the more “traditional” chest pain. If the heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently and the body prioritizes vital organs, resulting in tissues and muscles being insufficiently supplied.
Pain that travels to the jaw, neck, or arm
Heartburn doesn’t have to be in the chest. The presence of pain in the neck, left arm, or jaw can be an indication of an imminent heart attack. The study in Circulation confirms that these unusual pain pathways happen because the nerves of the limb and heart have similar routes of communication to the brain.
Ankle, leg, or foot swelling
Oedema, or fluid retention, is usually not noticed but could be a sign of valve or heart problems. It is said that the Mayo Clinic explains that when the heart is we, the blood flow increases in the veins, pushing fluid into tissues around it and causing it to appear initially in the lower extremities.
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Heart palpitations – when your heart feels as if it’s racing, pounding, or skipping beats; however, persistent arrhythmias need medical treatment. According to the National Health Service (NHS) warns against atrial fibrillation increases the risk of having a stroke by fivefold since irregular beats could result in blood clots developing within the heart.
Feeling lightheaded or faint
A sudden fall in balance or a fainting episode could be due to an insufficient flow of blood to the brain, which could be caused by arrhythmias, valve disease, or blocked blood vessels. Research published in The Lancet underscores syncope (fainting) as a sign of a diagnosis frequently linked to serious cardiac issues.
Sweating Too Much
It is believed that cold sweats, especially in the absence of any connection with temperature or exercise, can be a warning indicator. Harvard Medical School notes that in the event of a cardiac attack, the nervous system activates a stress response, inundating our bodies with adrenaline, which triggers sweating.
Constant wheezing or coughing
A long-term cough, and especially one that is characterized by thick, frothy sputum, can indicate heart failure. Based on the Cleveland Clinic, fluid accumulation in the lung (pulmonary congestion) can cause an inefficient heart, may irritate the airways, and mimic an asthma attack or even bronchitis.
Nausea or Indigestion
People often think that heart-related nausea is stomach-related. However, studies show that gastrointestinal-like symptoms frequently accompany heart attacks, particularly in women. The European Society of Cardiology warns that faulty notions regarding “acid reflux” or “food poisoning” could delay the life-saving treatment.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Breathing that is loud or snoring in the night could indicate sleep apnoea. It is a condition that is a strong risk factor for heart disease. Studies conducted by the American College of Cardiology reveal that sleep apnoea strains the heart muscle, causing an increase in blood pressure and putting people at risk for heart failure and arrhythmias.
Inexplicable Weight Increase
A sudden weight increase of more than 2 pounds in a matter of days could be a sign of the presence of fluids that are linked to heart failure. Johns Hopkins Medicine advises patients with heart issues to keep track of the weight they carry daily, since rapid increases could signal a worsening of heart function.
Conclusion
Heart disease is pervasive; it often hides behind benign symptoms. Paying attention to your body’s signals and recognizing these warning signs early can be the difference between life and death. Experts agree that you should not take your own advice or disregard symptoms. Seek medical treatment promptly. The earlier you seek treatment more likely you are to prevent irreparable damage as well as keep your heart healthy.
