The classic signs of heart trouble-chest tightness, pressure or pain – are far from its only signals. People often fail to connect other symptoms they’re experiencing to their actual cause: the heart. Your whole body can be involved in sending the message that something’s wrong with your heart.
Surprising Body Cues That Could Be a Heart Concern
Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. It pumps blood and oxygen to every part of your body, and without it, your body wouldn’t function properly. As such, it’s important to take care of your heart and be aware of any potential issues that could arise.
While most people are aware of the typical warning signs of heart problems, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, there are also a number of surprising body cues that could be a heart concerns. In this article, we’ll explore some of these cues and what they could potentially mean for your heart health.
Most people know their bodies better than any doctor does. In general, if you constantly feel something isn’t ‘right’ or isn't what you’re used to, that warrants medical attention.
Dr. Laffin
Direct (but Surprising) Signs of Heart Problems
Snoring Snoring may seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a condition that causes your breathing to stop and start during sleep. Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, as it can cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the body and put added stress on the heart.
Swollen feet and ankles Swelling in the feet and ankles can be a sign of heart failure, which occurs when the heart can’t pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. When this happens, fluid can build up in the legs and feet, causing them to swell.
Erectile dysfunction While erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors, it can also be a sign of heart disease. This is because the same factors that can damage blood vessels in the penis and cause erectile dysfunction can also damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those that supply blood to the heart.
Shoulder or upper back pain Pain in the shoulder or upper back can be a sign of angina, which is chest pain caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart. While angina is typically felt in the chest, it can also radiate to other parts of the body, including the shoulders and upper back.
Jaw pain Jaw pain can also be a sign of angina, as the pain can radiate from the chest to the jaw. This is especially true for women, who are more likely to experience atypical symptoms of heart disease like jaw pain than men.
Nausea and vomiting Nausea and vomiting can be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women. While these symptoms are more commonly associated with digestive issues, they can also be caused by the release of stress hormones during a heart attack.
Fatigue Fatigue is a common symptom of many illnesses, but it can also be a sign of heart disease. This is because when the heart isn’t functioning properly, the body may not be getting enough oxygen, which can lead to fatigue.
Dizziness and lightheadedness Dizziness and lightheadedness can be a sign of many different conditions, including low blood pressure, dehydration, and anxiety. However, they can also be a sign of heart disease, as a decrease in blood flow to the brain can cause these symptoms.
Sweating Sweating is a natural response to physical activity or warm temperatures, but it can also be a sign of a heart attack. This is because the body may release excess adrenaline in response to the stress of a heart attack, which can cause sweating.
Irregular heartbeat An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can be a sign of heart disease, as it can be caused by damage to the heart’s electrical system. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can be life-threatening and require medical attention.
In conclusion, while chest pain and shortness of breath are the most common warning signs of heart problems, there are also a number of surprising body cues that could be a heart concern.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor. Your doctor can help determine if these symptoms are related to your heart health or another underlying condition, and can recommend the appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes to help improve your overall heart health.
Additionally, it’s important to take preventative measures to maintain a healthy heart. This includes exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, managing stress levels, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use. Regular check-ups with your doctor can also help catch any potential heart issues early on.
In summary, while many people are aware of the common warning signs of heart problems, several surprising body cues could be a heart concern. It’s essential to be aware of these cues and to speak with your doctor if you experience any of them. By taking preventative measures and monitoring your heart health, you can help reduce your risk of heart disease and live a longer, healthier life.
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Comments
annabrown
Thanks for this great post!
cmsmasters
Always happy to be of service.
miaqueen
These are very Useful and Informative content! Thanks.
cmsmasters
Happy to be of service.
Zone Medical
Nice guide and tips that everyone can follow for their heart health care needs. Thanks for it.