Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death worldwide, making it all the more important to be aware of the signs that your heart may not be functioning properly.

It’s important to recognize the early signs as this may help you avoid life-threatening complications.

Chest Pain and Discomfort

If you experience chest pain or any discomfort in your chest, you should not ignore it. Chest pain can manifest in different forms like a crushing or burning sensation that spreads to other parts of your body like your jaw, back, or arms.

Additionally, if you find that your chest pain increases after an activity or when you’re at rest, it could indicate a problem in your heart.

Shortness of Breath

If you always find yourself feeling short of breath with minimal activity or even when you’re at rest, this could be an indicator that your heart is not functioning at its best.

Shortness of breath occurs when the heart no longer pumps blood efficiently and effectively creating a backlog of blood in your veins. This can lead to fluid accumulation in your lungs, making it hard for you to breathe effortlessly.

Fatigue and Dizziness

Feeling tired and dizzy after completing minimal physical activity like climbing a short flight of stairs, walking, or even standing up could signal that your heart is no longer able to meet the increased circulation demand needed by your body.

As a result, your body may start to conserve energy, leaving you feeling fatigued, and causing dizziness.

Irregular Heartbeat

Your heartbeat should always be steady and rhythmic. An irregular heartbeat, however, can be a sign that something is wrong with your heart.

Arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms may cause you to experience a fluttering sensation in your chest, coupled with chest pain or discomfort. Its underlying cause could be anything from hypertension, heart attack, or heart failure, which are all life-threatening conditions.

Swelling of Feet and Ankles

Ankles, feet and leg swelling, medically known as edema, can also be a sign of possible heart problems. This occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently which, in turn, leads to fluid accumulation in the body.

As the fluid builds up, it may manifest as swelling in your ankles, feet, and legs, which can make walking and standing up difficult.

Conclusion

The above-listed indicators are but a few of the many potential signs and symptoms of heart problems. Thus, if you experience any of the above symptoms, make sure to consult your doctor immediately.

Furthermore, it’s important to have a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent the occurrence of underlying heart problems that could result in more serious complications.