Introduction
If you’re concerned about your heart health, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a potential problem. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the warning signs that you should look out for and what you should do if you notice them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to eat healthier to help keep your heart healthy. Eating the right foods can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. So, if you notice any of the signs mentioned in this article, make sure to have your heart checked and start making healthier food choices.
If You Notice This on Your Body, Have Your Heart Checked
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease, as it is the leading cause of death in the United States. While some of the symptoms may be subtle, they can be indicative of a serious underlying condition. Here are some of the signs and symptoms to look out for that may indicate a heart problem.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
One of the most common signs of heart disease is chest pain or discomfort. This can range from a mild, uncomfortable feeling to a sharp, stabbing sensation. It may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Fatigue
If you’re feeling unusually tired or fatigued, it could be a sign of heart disease. This is especially true if the fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. If you’re feeling unusually tired, it’s important to talk to your doctor to determine the cause.
Swelling
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet can be a sign of heart failure. This is because the heart is not able to pump enough blood to the rest of the body, causing fluid to build up in the extremities. If you notice any swelling, it’s important to have your heart checked.
Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can be a sign of an underlying heart condition. This can range from a mild, occasional skipped beat to a more serious condition such as atrial fibrillation. If you notice any changes in your heartbeat, it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor.
Conclusion
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms on your body, it’s important to have your heart checked. Heart disease is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., so it’s incredibly important that you don’t ignore any possible signs of heart problems. “It’s very important that you not become your own doctor — but let somebody else be your doctor,” says cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD. “If you have noticed that you are shorter of breath with regular activity, you should go to your general doctor or your cardiologist. It depends on the severity and the acuteness — if it has started recently or not.” Here are five signs of heart issues you should never ignore, doctors say. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Swollen ankles and feet could be an early sign of heart failure. “The backup of blood waiting to get into the heart leads to increasing pressure in the veins draining into the heart,” says cardiologist Lee Goldberg, MD. “As the pressure in the veins increases, fluid is pushed out into the tissues leading to swelling or edema.”
When pain starts to radiate from the chest to the jaw and neck, see a doctor. “Most people know their bodies better than any doctor does. In general, if you constantly feel something isn’t ‘right’ or isn’t what you’re used to, that warrants medical attention,” says Parag Joshi, M.D., cardiology fellow with the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease.
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Did you know ED could be a symptom of heart disease? “A problem with your blood vessels in one area of the body is associated with blood vessel problems in another area,” says Dr. Joshi.
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Everyone gets tired—but if you are dealing with chronic fatigue, don’t ignore it. “We’re not talking about global fatigue like you feel tired at the end of the day,” says Dr. Cho. “We’re not talking about you needing to go take a nap at 5 o’clock. We’re talking about you were able to walk up a couple of flights of stairs — and now you can barely walk up one. Or you can’t walk upstairs without feeling severe fatigue.”
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Is it time to see the dentist? Studies show that unhealthy teeth and gums can lead to dangerous inflammation, which could in turn raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes. “The bacteria that live in your mouth when you have gum disease can cross into your bloodstream, enter the heart, and directly infect the vulnerable heart valves,” says Marietta Ambrose, MD, MPH, FACC, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. “That’s especially concerning in our patients who have artificial heart valves.”