Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 17.9 million people die each year due to heart diseases.

While some heart disease symptoms are obvious, others are not. Some of the hidden heart disease symptoms are often ignored or mistaken for other illnesses. In this article, we will discuss some of the hidden heart disease symptoms you should know about.

Chest pain or discomfort

Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most common symptoms of heart disease. However, not all types of chest pain or discomfort are related to heart disease.

It is essential to differentiate between heart-related and non-heart-related chest pain or discomfort.

The chest pain or discomfort related to heart disease is often described as a feeling of squeezing, pressure, fullness, or tightness. It may also feel like someone is sitting on your chest.

This type of chest pain or discomfort may last for a few minutes or more and may be relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

Shortness of breath

If you feel breathless while doing your routine activities such as climbing stairs or walking a short distance, you should not ignore it. Shortness of breath is one of the hidden symptoms of heart disease.

The symptom occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s oxygen demand. Often people with heart disease do not experience chest pain, but they feel shortness of breath.

Unusual fatigue or weakness

Unusual fatigue or weakness is another hidden symptom of heart disease. If you feel excessively tired or weak, even after a good night’s sleep, you may need to check with your doctor.

The symptom occurs when the heart muscle does not pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. The body tries to compensate for this by diverting blood from other organs to the heart, causing a feeling of fatigue or weakness.

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Dizziness or lightheadedness is a feeling of faintness or lightheadedness where you feel like you might pass out. The symptom is often related to low blood pressure and can be an indicator of heart disease.

The symptom occurs when the heart muscles cannot pump enough blood to the brain, causing a shortage of oxygen and nutrients.

Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet may be a sign of heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

The symptom occurs when fluid accumulates in the legs, ankles, or feet due to an inefficient pumping of blood by the heart. The swelling is often more severe towards the end of the day and can be uncomfortable or painful.

Cold sweats

Cold sweats are an indication of heart disease. They occur when the blood pressure drops, and the body tries to regulate the temperature by sweating profusely.

The symptom is often accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, and fainting.

Palpitations

Palpitations are sensations that your heart is racing, pounding, or skipping a beat. The symptom can be an indication of heart disease.

The symptom generally occurs due to an abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia. Abnormalities in the heart’s electrical system may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

Nausea or vomiting

Nausea or vomiting is another hidden symptom of heart disease.

The symptom can occur due to a reduced blood supply to the digestive system, leading to nausea or vomiting. The symptom is often accompanied by other heart disease symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating.

Jaw, neck, or back pain

Jaw, neck, or back pain is another hidden heart disease symptom that is often ignored. The symptom can occur due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle and should not be taken lightly.

The symptom is often accompanied by other heart disease symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue.

Snoring and sleep apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea are related to heart disease. People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing heart diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

The condition occurs when the breathing temporarily stops during sleep, leading to lower oxygen levels in the blood. The condition can put a strain on the heart, leading to heart disease.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a severe health issue that can lead to death. The best way to prevent heart disease is by leading a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

However, it is also essential to be aware of the hidden heart disease symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any of them.

Remember, prevention is better than cure.