Heart disease doesn't typically occur overnight. It builds up gradually over time. If you recognize the symptoms early, you can control your condition, change your lifestyle, and even prevent it from worsening. But if you don't heed the early signs, you may be putting yourself at risk for serious issues such as a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.
Some individuals believe heart disease only occurs among older individuals or men, but this is not the case. Heart disease can happen to anybody — men, women, young, or old. This is why understanding what to watch out for is crucial.
Here are the 10 early warning signs of heart disease that you should never ignore.
This is the most prevalent and recognized symptom of heart disease.
You may experience:
This sensation may be temporary, lasting a few minutes, or may return and then disappear. Others say it's as if "an elephant is sitting on my chest."
Chest pain isn't always a heart attack, but it's still a good warning that something may be amiss with your heart.
Do you have trouble breathing after mild exertion — or even at rest?
Shortness of breath, especially if it's sudden or doesn't go away, can be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. This can happen with or without chest pain.
It might feel like:
This symptom should never be ignored, especially if it’s new for you.
We all get tired at times. But if you're feeling extremely tired — even after resting enough — it could be a warning sign of a heart issue.
Individuals with heart disease may feel:
For women, tiredness may be a more frequent early warning sign of heart disease than chest pain. So don't dismiss it as "just tiredness."
Heart pain doesn't necessarily appear in your chest. It might radiate to other areas of the body. This is known as "referred pain."
You may experience:
This type of pain can begin abruptly or gradually. It's most concerning if it occurs with chest pain or shortness of breath.
Do you ever notice your heart missing a beat, beating too quickly, or hammering away?
This flip-flopping or "flip-flop" sensation in your chest may be a symptom of arrhythmia — an irregularity with your heart rhythm. Although some abnormal heart rhythms are harmless, others can indicate a more serious condition.
If you are dizzy, weak, or faint with a rapid or irregular heartbeat, get to a doctor immediately.
When your heart fails to circulate blood effectively, fluid may accumulate in various areas of your body — particularly in your lower legs. You may notice:
This may indicate heart failure, a condition when your heart weakens to such an extent that it cannot circulate effectively.
Feeling dizzy, faint, or like you’re going to pass out can be a sign that your brain is not getting enough blood. This might happen when your heart is beating too slowly, too fast, or irregularly.
It can also mean that your blood pressure is dropping — another red flag for a heart problem.
If you are dizzy and also experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating, don't delay — call for emergency assistance.
You may be surprised, but sometimes heart problems feel like a stomach ailment. You may experience:
This is a symptom that is commonly experienced by women at the time of a heart attack. If you are experiencing nausea and also chest pain or shortness of breath, it may be your heart sending you a warning signal.
Sweating is to be expected when you exercise or when it is hot outside. Cold sweats, however, when you are not physically exerting yourself, can be an indicator of a heart attack. Watch out if you:
This type of sweating is your body responding to a stressful event — such as a blocked artery.
If you have a persistent cough that produces white or pink mucus, it may be a sign of fluid accumulation in your lungs , usually due to heart failure. Heart-related cough can also be accompanied by:
If you’ve ruled out a cold or infection and the cough keeps coming back, talk to your doctor.
Heart disease can look different in women. Women may experience:
They may not always have the classic “crushing” chest pain. That’s why it’s even more important for women to take unusual symptoms seriously and get checked.
Do not wait until symptoms worsen. Consult a doctor if:
Physicians are able to do simple tests such as ECG, echocardiogram, or blood testing to assess the health of your heart. Quick treatment can give much better results.
Although some heart diseases run in the family, most can be avoided through small lifestyle changes. Here's what you can do:
Your heart is always pumping — even during sleep. So when it begins to strain, your body will send you a message. Never dismiss these warning signs. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and unexplained body pain might all be your heart crying for assistance.
You don't have to be a doctor to hear your body out. You simply need to be paying attention. If something feels off, listen to your gut and seek medical advice.
Because when it comes to heart disease, acting early can save your life.
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