Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the world, and unfortunately, many people ignore the warning signs and symptoms until it is too late.
If you experience any of the following cardiac symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately:.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It can feel like a tightness, pressure, or squeezing in the chest, and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.
If you have chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Shortness of Breath
If you experience sudden shortness of breath, it could be a sign of a heart attack or heart failure. You may feel like you can’t catch your breath, even when you’re at rest.
This symptom is especially concerning if it is accompanied by chest pain or coughing up blood.
Dizziness or Fainting
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting, can be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping enough blood. This could be due to an irregular heart rhythm, low blood pressure, or a blockage in one of your arteries.
If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Swelling in Your Legs, Ankles, or Feet
If you notice swelling in your lower extremities, it could indicate that your heart is not functioning properly. This swelling is often accompanied by fatigue and shortness of breath.
It is important to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms, as they could be a sign of heart failure.
Fatigue or Weakness
If you feel excessively tired or weak, it could be a sign that your heart is struggling to pump blood throughout your body. This could be due to an underlying heart condition, such as heart failure.
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to speak with a doctor.
Fluttering in Your Chest
If you feel a fluttering or irregular heartbeat, it could be a sign of an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias can be harmless, or they can indicate a more serious underlying condition.
If you experience this symptom, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation.
Cold Sweats
Cold sweats, along with other cardiac symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, could be a sign of a heart attack. If you experience these symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Nausea or Vomiting
Feeling nauseous or vomiting can be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women. Women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms such as these, rather than chest pain.
If you experience these symptoms along with other cardiac symptoms, seek medical attention.
Pain or Discomfort in the Arms, Jaw, Neck, or Back
Pain in your arms, jaw, neck, or back can be a sign of a heart attack, especially if it is accompanied by other cardiac symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Unexplained Heart Palpitations
If you experience heart palpitations that are not related to anxiety or exercise, it could be a sign of an arrhythmia or other underlying heart condition. It is important to see a doctor for an evaluation.
Conclusion
There are several cardiac symptoms that should not be ignored, including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, fatigue or weakness, fluttering in your chest, cold sweats, nausea or vomiting, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, neck, or back, and unexplained heart palpitations. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.