If something went wrong with your heart, would you know it? Not all heart problems come with clear warning signs.. Some heart symptoms don’t even happen in your chest, and it’s not always easy to tell what’s going on. Heart disease causes more deaths in the United States each year than any other medical condition.
Whether you change your lifestyle, take medication, or opt for surgery, taking control of your heart health is an important step in fighting your heart disease. Heart disease symptoms may be different in women and men. Be careful to notice the signs of potential heart trouble listed below:
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Chest pain or soreness:
Not everyone who has a heart attack does it Hollywood style (think clutching
one’s chest and dropping to the floor). Intense pressure should prompt you to
call 911. Feel like you pulled a muscle in your chest? That could signal
underlying cardiovascular disease. Be sure to tell your doctor. It doesn't have
to be a sharp pain.
It could be subtle as it sometimes radiates out to your
shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw. Chest pain that pops up during or following a
workout or when you're stressed is especially concerning, as it could signal a
blood flow issue.
·
Fatigue or sleeplessness: Many female heart attack sufferers feel oddly tired during the week leading up to an attack. They also
report sleep disturbances.
·
Flu-like symptoms:
"Feeling nauseated or fatigued or experiencing a cold, clammy sweat can
signal insufficient blood flow. Everyone gets these symptoms at times, but if
they start after a bout of physical activity, see a doctor. Severe stomach upset can also be a red flag.
Research shows that some women have indigestion during the days
before a heart attack. They don't associate it with heart trouble so they put
off seeking treatment. When in doubt, get help.
·
Lightheadedness:
Feeling lightheaded or woozy could be a sign of a blockage or valve-related
issue, especially if it's accompanied by the feeling that your heart is
fluttering (palpitations. Feeling lightheaded whenever you stand up quickly may also
be a sign of impending heart trouble.
·
Shortness of breath:
If light activity takes your breath away (especially if you used to be able to
tackle a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing)
that's trouble. Compare their activity today to activity a
year or two ago. Are their major changes in breathing or what they're able to
do? That's a sign something may be going on. Breathing problems that come on
when you lie down are also problematic (they could indicate valve disease). Be
sure to bring that to your doctor's attention.
“Bad dental hygiene can lead to respiratory infections and an increased
risk for heart disease and strokes.” (Mallory Ortberg) [i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“5 Signs Your Heart Isn't Working As Well As It
Should” by Markham Heid
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