Your heart is a vital organ that works tirelessly to keep your body functioning. It pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, making it possible for your organs to work efficiently.
However, heart problems can interrupt this process, leading to serious health complications. While some heart problems have no symptoms, others produce apparent signs that you shouldn’t ignore. Here are the most common clues that something is wrong with your heart.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
A heart attack happens when the blood flow to your heart is blocked, which deprives the heart muscles of oxygen-rich blood. This can cause severe damage to your heart, and in some cases, can be fatal. Here are the signs of a heart attack:.
Chest Pain or Pressure
Chest pain or discomfort in the chest is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It can feel like pressure, tightness, or fullness, and can last several minutes or come and go.
The pain can also spread to your arms, shoulders, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of Breath
Feeling short of breath during a heart attack is common, and it can happen with or without chest pain. You may experience difficulty breathing, or you may feel like you can’t catch your breath even when resting.
Cold Sweat
Breaking out into a cold sweat can be an indication that you are experiencing a heart attack. You may feel clammy or have cold, moist skin that cannot be explained by your surroundings or physical activity.
Nausea and Vomiting
During a heart attack, some people experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort, which can be mistaken for stomach issues. This symptom may occur in men and women, but it’s more common in women.
Other Symptoms of Heart Problems
Heart problems can also cause symptoms that signal a more chronic issue. If you experience any of these signs, see a doctor to determine if your heart is healthy:.
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Fatigue or Weakness
If you are experiencing overwhelming fatigue or weakness, it could be a sign of a heart problem. This symptom is often overlooked because it isn’t specific to a heart condition.
However, it’s essential to investigate the underlying cause, especially if it occurs frequently, without explanation or after exertion.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint can be a sign of a heart rhythm problem. Arrhythmias can cause the feeling that your heart is racing, palpitations, or skipped beats. In some cases, it can make you feel like you are about to faint.
Swelling
If you are experiencing persistent swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, it may be a sign that your heart is not functioning correctly.
When your heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently, it can cause fluid to accumulate in your legs and feet, leading to swelling.
Snoring
While snoring is common, loud snoring that’s interrupted by pauses in your breathing can be a sign of sleep apnea, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Sleep apnea causes brief periods of oxygen deprivation, which can lead to changes in blood pressure and strain to your heart.
The Takeaway
Not all heart problems cause symptoms, but the ones that do shouldn’t be ignored. If you are experiencing any of these signs, seek medical attention to determine the cause.
Early intervention and treatment can prevent further damage to your heart and improve your long-term health.
