6 Subtle but serious signs that you have a heart problem

One person in the US will die from cardiovascular disease every 36 seconds, making it one of the leading causes of death for Americans. In addition, approximately 655,000 Americans die each year from heart complications – which breaks down to one in four deaths.

Although these statistics are worrying, it is more worrying that many people are unaware of the small, treacherous signs that may indicate cardiovascular problems.

“A lot of people see chest pain as a warning sign of cardiovascular disease,” said Mariko Harper, a doctor in Seattle. specializing in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. But, he added, ‘While more than half of the people have chest discomfort when they have a heart attack, up to a third of patients – especially women – do not have chest symptoms at all. They may have more atypical or subtle symptoms. ”

Ignoring these signs means ignoring your entire well-being.

If the body were considered a machine, the battery would be the battery that drives it, said Aeshita Dwivedi, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. “Essentially, without a well-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 advice on how to improve your heart health better:

Christine Bishara, founder of the integrative medical practice From Within Medical in New York, says swelling in the lower legs, especially the ankles and feet, can be a heart condition. This issue is also known as edema.

“If your heart loses its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body – through weakened heart muscles or damage to heart tissue due to a silent heart attack – blood flow may be slowed down and back into the bones, leading to swelling,” she said.

As mentioned, some people will not experience chest pains when dealing with heart disease. Although it can happen to anyone, Bishara said it is especially true for those with diabetes. Instead, they may have difficulty breathing.

“Because diabetes affects and blunts nerve sensations, [someone who is diabetic] “with a serious heart condition, you can never experience symptoms of chest pain,” she said. “That’s why shortness of breath should never be ignored, especially if it’s a new beginning.”

A tired feeling that you just can not shake can, according to Bishara, be another subtle sign of heart issues. Especially if it apparently came out of nowhere.

“If fatigue symptoms occur acutely or without any identifiable underlying cause, consult your doctor,” she said.

Bishara said this pain should not be ignored as it could also be signs of a heart block or a threatening heart attack. Back symptoms are common in women and are sometimes the only symptom. ” This is especially true if the pain is random (for example, you do not have anything tense during exercise).

The timing of such heartbeats is just as important as the symptom itself. Keep in mind that exercise, caffeine and anxiety can cause a rapid pulse. However, saying that you are sitting down or in another relaxed state and that your heart is starting to race, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Dizziness and lightheadedness can also be symptoms.

Cardiovascular problems can manifest as discomfort in the jaw. Marcus Smith, a physician at the CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma, said he made patients complain about jaw pain that they initially believed was attached to their teeth. Later, they learned that it was related to angina, which could be a heart problem.

‘The nerves that innervate your heart and pick up the feeling of pain are the same nerves that get the same feeling for orthopedic problems, gastrointestinal problems and dental problems; it’s the same distribution of nerves, “he said. ‘People who have heart disease many times will say that they have experienced pain in their jaw. Therefore, no symptoms should be set aside as it may be a cardiac symptom. ”

If you experience any of these problems, it is best to seek medical attention. (If you think you may have a heart attack or stroke, call 911.)

Smith said your doctor will first ask you questions about your lifestyle habits and behaviors to determine your risk factors. From there, you can undergo an exam (or be referred to a cardiologist) to better see what’s going on.

There are also things you need to do outside of your doctor’s office. Suzanne Steinbaum, a volunteer medical expert from the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and cardiologist in New York, has recommended taking steps to improve your overall heart health. The first is to monitor your blood pressure. A normal range is at or below 120/80.

“High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke,” Steinbaum said. “Monitoring your diet and exercise and using stress management are the most important components in lowering your blood pressure.”

Cholesterol also plays an important role. For adults, the total cholesterol should be about 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 higher for men and 50 or higher for women.

“High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke,” Steinbaum said. ‘If you control your cholesterol, you give your arteries the best chance of staying blocked. Cholesterol can often be managed with dietary changes, which increase the amount of vegetables, whole grains, fruits and contain healthy fats. The reduction of saturated fats is also an important part of this. ”

Finally, try as best you can to get some movement that you enjoy. The American Heart Association recommends about 150 minutes of moderate intensity per week. (Here’s a list of activities you can do to achieve this goal – no boring cardio needed!)

“Leading an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love,” Steinbaum said. “Simply put, daily physical activity increases your longevity and quality of life.”