People always tell us to “follow our hearts,” which is one way we know this vital organ isn’t a one-trick wonder. The heart is not just a clump of muscles and tissues that circulates blood, but it’s the pulsing rhythm that keeps us aligned with life itself.
Your heart knows more than you give it credit for, so you need to pay attention to the subtle signs and symptoms that it shows you to indicate that something is wrong. With our busy lives, it can be easy to ignore these symptoms as being caused by stress or fatigue, but the problem can be much more severe. So, let’s discuss the observations of doctors and health specialists to understand the top 6 signs of heart problems that you should always pay attention to.
Breathing Difficulties
Have you ever felt breathless after going up a staircase? That’s normal. But suppose you’re suddenly having breathing difficulties while doing day-to-day work like making the bed or walking to the basement. In that case, it might be time to take notice. Shortness of breath can signal that your heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should. If you feel like you can’t take a breath or like you’re choking, don’t wait for it to go away – seek immediate medical attention!
Chest Pain or Uneasiness
You’re probably familiar with the sensation of fullness after having too much pizza or overdoing it at the gym. Chest pain or discomfort is like that, but it’s not something to take casually. Chest pain can be a significant red flag for heart problems, according to NYU Langone Health. It may give you a sensation of fullness, squeezing, heaviness, or even aching that goes to your neck, jaw, shoulders, back, or arms. It may come and go often or continue for minutes. Either way, it’s better to get it examined by a medical professional.
An Irregular, Racing, or Fluttering Heartbeat
Your heart has its usual beating rhythm. However, if you notice it is working offbeat—in an irregular, racing, or fluttering way—it can be more than just butterflies before a show. NYU Langone Health advises that an uneven heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, might indicate an underlying heart illness. Be mindful, and if you feel like your heart is playing a drum when it is not supposed to, it might be telling you something significant!
Lightheadedness, Dizziness or Passing out
Feeling a bit uneasy occasionally may not look like a major issue, but doctors reason that it may be one more signal that your heart needs some care. Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting may indicate that your brain isn’t getting sufficient blood flow due to a heart issue. It may happen when you stand up too fast or tire yourself, and it’s certainly not something to overlook because your head needs that oxygen!
Indigestion, Nausea, Stomach Pain, or Heartburn
A heart attack can indicate these signs in some people. Others may even puke. Women are more likely to get these symptoms compared to men. Of course, there are so many reasons why you could feel like this, unrelated to the heart, such as, for example, food poisoning. On the other hand, they can also be present during a heart attack. Therefore, it’s better to check with a doctor immediately.
Swelling in Your Ankles, Feet, or Legs
According to “WebMD,” liquid collection owing to a deteriorated heart can cause swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs. You may observe that your socks leave creases in your skin or your shoes feel tighter than usual. This swelling, called edema, shouldn’t be ignored. It might signal that your heart isn’t pumping blood well, triggering liquid to build up in your tissues.
Listen to Your Heart
You may wonder if such symptoms are worry-worthy if you are young and generally healthy. The unfortunate fact is that heart issues don’t discriminate based on level of fitness or age. They can creep up on anybody, and occasionally, the signals are delicate. That’s why it’s essential to be mindful of what your body is expressing and seek medical assistance if something feels wrong.
Tips for Heart Wellness
- Have heart-healthy food
- Exercise
- Stress management
- Quit smoking
- Monitor your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure
Our hearts beat nonstop, helping us stay alive. They’re with us through every minute, every sentiment, and every journey. However, they’re not invincible. They occasionally send us subtle yet firm signs when they need care. Disregarding these signs can have grave repercussions. According to doctors and health specialists, initial discovery can be a game-changer when it comes to heart wellness. Heart diseases can be controlled successfully when discovered early.
Here’s to a healthy heart, a harmonious life, and careful heeding to our hearts’ messages. Because in the end, our hearts play the most significant part in the melody of our lives!
