Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, affecting over 127 million Americans. It’s essential to catch symptoms early to prevent complications. Dr. Blen Tesfu explains that “not all chest pain is cardiac-related,” but ignoring it can be dangerous.
Here are eight signs of heart disease you may not know about:
1. **Chest Pain or Discomfort**: Pressure, tightness, heaviness, or burning sensations in the chest or radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back.
2. **Shortness of Breath**: Feeling winded during regular activities, such as walking up stairs or carrying groceries. This may indicate congestive heart failure or valve disease.
3. **Irregular Heartbeat or Palpitations**: Rapid heartbeat or dizziness, especially during exertion. This can be a sign of arrhythmias that raise the risk of heart disease.
4. **Unexplained Lightheadedness or Fatigue**: Dizziness or fatigue due to the inability of the heart to increase blood supply to the brain during exercise.
5. **Other Health Conditions**: Comorbidities like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, and sleep apnea increase the risk of heart disease.
6. **Family History of Heart Disease**: A family history can play a significant role in future problems and influence heart health.
7. **Unexplained Dizziness or Brain Fog**: Lightheadedness or trouble concentrating that may be related to underlying blockages in the heart arteries.
8. **Low Blood Pressure**: Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with heart disease.
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional, ideally a cardiologist. Regular check-ups are crucial to prevent or catch heart disease early.
Source: https://www.eatingwell.com/signs-you-should-see-a-cardiologist-11742727