As we all know, the heart is one of the most important organs in the body – we can’t live without it! Our hearts pump our blood through our bodies to keep everything else working, which means that if something is amiss in that department, it can have far-reaching effects.
Unfortunately, the heart is also prone to a number of health problems that, if not addressed early on, could have fatal repercussions. Let’s take a look into five heart-related symptoms that you should never ignore. By being aware of these symptoms and researching other heart disease info, you’ll be able to act quickly and protect your heart and your life.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
One of the most common signs of incoming cardiac issues is chest pain or discomfort. In this case, you might feel an intermittent or ongoing tightness, pressing, or squeezing in the chest area.
While chest pain is not always necessarily associated with a serious heart problem, it’s important to take it seriously, particularly if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath. If you’re dealing with chest pain that doesn’t feel right, seek out medical attention immediately to rule out any serious issues like an impending heart attack.
Shortness of Breath
If you struggle with breathing difficulties or often feel out of breath, particularly when exercising or when lying down, you might be dealing with some kind of cardiac issue.
These symptoms could indicate that your heart is having trouble pumping blood efficiently, which means your body isn’t getting enough oxygen. There are additional symptoms that could accompany this shortness of breath, such as fatigue, dizziness, or an elevated heart rate. Make sure to visit a healthcare practitioner for a comprehensive assessment if you deal with these symptoms regularly.
Irregular Heartbeat
Consistently abnormal heart rhythms can result in palpitations, skipped beats, or a fluttering sensation in the chest. This is known as arrhythmia, which could indicate an underlying cardiac problem.
While an occasionally abnormal heartbeat is pretty normal and nothing to worry about, it’s important to keep an eye on your heart rate and rhythm and to talk to your doctor about any abnormalities you notice.
Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Abdomen
A symptom that you might never have connected to your heart in the first place is swelling! Excessive fluid retention (causes by an issue in your heart’s pumping capacity) can lead to swelling in the legs and ankles, as well as the abdomen.
This swelling, known as oedema, is often caused by heart failure and will require that you visit your doctor immediately, especially if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
Fatigue and Weakness
If you start to notice persistent fatigue or weakness that interferes with your regular daily activities or is generally uncommon for you, it could be a sign of a heart condition or perhaps something else that impacts your ability to live a long and healthy life.
When your body isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood, it can cause feelings of weakness and even exhaustion. If you notice any other symptoms combined with this lethargy, like chest pain or shortness of breath, you’ll want to listen to your body and seek medical attention.
