Heart problems are no joke. They can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, and even death. It’s important to know the warning signs of heart problems so that you can get help if you need it.

However, some of the warning signs may seem paradoxical or even counterintuitive. Here are the top 6 paradoxical indicators of heart problems:.

1. Chest Pain

One of the most common warning signs of heart problems is chest pain. But it’s not always what you might expect. Most people imagine a sharp, stabbing pain in their chest when they think of heart attacks.

However, chest pain associated with heart problems can also feel like a pressure or tightness in the chest, like someone is sitting on your chest. The pain may also radiate to other parts of the body, like the arms, jaw, neck, or back. If you experience any kind of chest pain, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

2. Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is another indicator of heart problems, but it’s not always what you might expect.

While you might think that difficulty breathing would be associated with lung problems, it can also be a sign that your heart is not pumping efficiently and your body is not getting enough oxygen. If you experience shortness of breath during everyday activities, like climbing stairs or walking at a normal pace, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.

3. Fatigue

Feeling tired or fatigued all the time can also be a warning sign of heart problems. Again, this might not seem to make sense at first. However, when your heart is not functioning properly, it has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body.

This can make you feel tired or exhausted, even if you haven’t been particularly active. If you’re getting enough sleep and you still feel constantly tired, it’s important to talk to a doctor.

4. Dizziness

In addition to feeling tired, you may also experience dizziness or lightheadedness if you have heart problems. This can be caused by a lack of oxygen, as we mentioned above, but it can also be a sign of an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia.

If you feel dizzy or lightheaded for no reason, especially if it happens frequently, it’s important to see a doctor.

5. Swollen Feet or Ankles

Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs can be a sign of heart problems as well. This is because when your heart is not pumping efficiently, fluid can build up in these areas, causing swelling.

This is called edema, and it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor, especially if it’s accompanied by any of the other warning signs we’ve discussed.

6. Nausea or Upset Stomach

Finally, nausea or an upset stomach can be a warning sign of heart problems, even though it might seem unrelated.

This is because when your heart is not functioning properly, blood flow to the digestive system can be affected, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and you’re not sure why, it’s important to talk to a doctor.

Don’t ignore any of these warning signs if you experience them. While they may seem paradoxical or confusing, they could be the key to catching heart problems early and getting the treatment you need to stay healthy.