6 subtle but serious signs that you have a heart problem

A person in the United States dies of cardiovascular disease every 36 seconds, making it a leading cause of death among Americans. In addition, about 655,000 Americans die from cardiac complications each year – which drops to one in four deaths.

While these statistics are alarming, it is more alarming that many people are unaware of the small and insidious signs that can indicate cardiovascular problems.

“Many people see chest pain as a warning sign of cardiovascular disease,” said Mariko Harper, a doctor in Seattle who specializes in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. But, he added, “Although more than half of people experience chest discomfort when they are having a heart attack, up to a third of patients – especially women – have no symptoms at all. They may present with more atypical or subtle symptoms. “

Ignoring these signs means ignoring your entire well-being.

If the body were considered a machine, the heart would be the battery that powers it, said Aeshita Dwivedi, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. “In essence, without a properly functioning heart, the rest of the body cannot perform optimally,” she said.

Here are some subtle but serious signs that you may be dealing with a cardiovascular problem, as well as some advice on how to improve your heart health:

Christine Bishara, founder of the integrative medical practice From Within Medical in New York, said that swelling in the lower legs, especially in the ankles and feet, could mean heart disease. This problem is also known as edema.

“If your heart loses its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body – whether through weakened heart muscles or damage to heart tissue by a silent heart attack – blood flow can decrease and get stuck in your legs, causing swelling,” she said.

As mentioned, some people will not experience chest pain when dealing with heart problems. Although this can happen to anyone, Bishara said that this is particularly true for those who have diabetes. Instead, they may have difficulty breathing.

“How diabetes affects and dulls nervous sensations, [someone who is diabetic] with a serious heart problem you may never experience symptoms of chest pain, ”she said. “That’s why breathlessness should never be ignored – especially if it’s a new start.”

A feeling of tiredness that you just can’t shake can be another subtle sign of heart problems, according to Bishara. Especially if he apparently appeared out of nowhere.

“If the symptoms of fatigue are acute onset or without any identifiable underlying cause, consult your doctor,” she said.

Bishara said that these pains “should not be ignored, as they can also be signs of an impending heart block or heart attack. Back symptoms are common in women and can sometimes be the only symptom. ” This is particularly true if the pain is random (for example, you did not exercise during exercise).

The timing of such palpitations is as important as the symptom itself. Remember that exercise, caffeine and anxiety can cause a rapid pulse. However, let’s say that you are sitting or in another relaxed state and your heart starts to race, this can be a sign that something is wrong. Dizziness and dizziness can also be symptoms.

Cardiovascular problems can manifest as discomfort in the jaw. Marcus Smith, physician at CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma, said he had patients who complained of jaw pain, who initially believed they were related to teeth. They later found out it was related to angina, which can be a heart problem.

“The nerves that innervate your heart and capture the sensation of pain are the same nerves that capture the same sensation for orthopedic, gastrointestinal and dental problems; it’s the same distribution of nerves, ”he said. “People who often have heart problems will say that they have felt jaw pain. That is why no symptom should be left out, because it can represent a cardiac symptom ”.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is best to seek medical attention. (If you believe you are having a heart attack or stroke, call 911.)

Smith said his doctor will first ask questions about his lifestyle and behaviors to assess his risk factors. From there, you can take an exam (or be referred to a cardiologist) to get a better look at what’s going on.

There are also things you should do outside of your doctor’s office. Suzanne Steinbaum, a volunteer medical specialist for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and a New York cardiologist, recommended taking steps to improve your heart’s overall health. The first is to keep an eye on blood pressure. A normal range is 120/80 or less.

“High blood pressure is an important risk factor for heart disease and stroke,” said Steinbaum. “Observing diet and exercise and incorporating stress management are essential components for lowering blood pressure.”

Cholesterol also plays an important role. For adults, total cholesterol should be around 200 or less (the lower the better). LDL cholesterol (known as bad cholesterol) should be less than 100 for women and men. HDL (the good cholesterol) should be 40 or more for men and 50 or more for women.

“High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and cause heart disease and stroke,” said Steinbaum. “When you control your cholesterol, you’re giving your arteries the best chance to stay free of blockages. Often, cholesterol can be controlled with changes in the diet, increasing the amount of vegetables, whole grains, fruits and also incorporating healthy fats. Cutting out saturated fats is also an important part of this. “

Finally, try your best to get some movement you like. The American Heart Association recommends about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. (Here is a list of activities you can do to achieve that goal – no boring cardio needed!)

“Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and the people you love,” said Steinbaum. “Simply put, daily physical activity increases its duration and quality of life.”