Heart disease is a condition that develops over time. Long before you have major cardiac problems, you may have early signs or symptoms. You may also be unaware that you are developing heart disease since heart disease warning symptoms aren’t always visible.
Many individuals sometimes let their conditions get worse before they even consider going to their doctor. When people feel sick or have trouble breathing, sometimes, you might think that it’s nothing and carry on with your daily activities, however, this isn’t a good practice. If you think or feel that something is wrong, get in contact with your doctor immediately. Knowing the warning signals can assist you in receiving treatment and avoiding a heart attack or stroke.
Warning Signs of Heart Disease
Shortness of Breath
Blood backs up in the veins that connect the lungs to the heart when the heart isn’t pumping blood quite as well as it should be. Shortness of breath occurs when fluid escapes into the lungs. This is a sign that you’re suffering from heart failure.
You may notice that you’re short of breathing even if you’re not doing anything, so take this as a sign to get yourself checked out before it escalates to something more fatal.
Discomfort in the Chest
Feeling discomfort in your chest may be a possible warning sign of a heart attack. You may feel discomfort, tightness, or pressure in your chest if you have a clogged artery or are suffering a heart attack. The sensation normally lasts for several minutes, which can happen even when you’re at rest or doing anything physically strenuous.
However, you should bear in mind that you might have cardiac problems, including a heart attack, without experiencing chest pain. This is especially prevalent among women.
Feeling Dizzy and Lightheaded
Many factors can cause you to lose your balance or feel dizzy for a brief period. Perhaps you didn’t drink or eat properly, or you got up too quickly. However, if you get shaky and experience chest pain or shortness of breath, see a doctor right once. Your blood pressure may have fallen as a result of your heart’s inability to pump properly.
Swollen Legs, Feet, and Ankles
This could indicate that your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should be. Swelling in your lower legs, often known as “edema,” is yet another indicator of a congenital heart problem. Blood backs up in the veins when the heart can’t pump fast enough, causing bloating. Fluid builds up in your tissues as a result of this.
Additionally, heart failure can make it more difficult for the kidneys to eliminate excess water and sodium from the body, resulting in bloating. You can notice some weight gain or abdominal swelling as well.
Snoring
It’s very natural to snore a little while sleeping, especially if you’re extremely tired. However, sleep apnea can be detected by unusually loud snoring that sounds like gasping or choking. That’s when you stop breathing for a few seconds while still sleeping multiple times during the night. Your heart is put under additional strain as a result of this.
Final Thoughts
Get yourself checked out if you notice the symptoms mentioned above because being cautious is much better than regretting what you could have done before getting sick.
