6 subtle but serious signs, you have a heart problem

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

While these statistics are alarming, it is more alarming that many people are not fully aware of the small and insidious signs that could indicate cardiovascular problems.

“Many people see chest pain as a warning sign for cardiovascular disease,” said Mariko Harper, a doctor in Seattle. which specializes in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. But, he added, While more than half of people experience chest discomfort when they have a heart attack, up to a third of patients – especially women – have no chest symptoms at all. They may present with more atypical or more 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. “Essentially, without a properly functioning heart, the rest of the body cannot function optimally,” she said.

Here are some subtle but serious signs that you may be having a cardiovascular problem, plus some tips on how to better improve your heart health:

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

“If the heart loses its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body – either through weakened heart muscles or damaged heart tissue due to a silent heart attack – blood flow can slow and support in the legs, leading to 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 this is especially true for those with diabetes. Instead, they may have trouble breathing.

“Because diabetes affects and affects nervous sensations, [someone who is diabetic] with severe heart disease, he can never show symptoms of chest pain, ”she said. “That’s why shortness of breath should never be ignored – especially if it’s a fresh start.”

A tired feeling that you simply can’t shake could be another subtle sign of heart problems, according to Bishara. Especially if he apparently got out of nowhere.

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

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

The timing of such palpitations matters as much as the symptom itself. Keep in mind that exercise, caffeine and anxiety can cause an accelerated boost. However, saying that you are sitting or in another relaxed state and that your heart is starting to flow could be a sign that something is wrong. Dizziness and dizziness can also be symptoms.

Cardiovascular problems can manifest as maxillary discomfort. Marcus Smith, a physician at the CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma, he said he made patients complain of jaw pain they initially thought was related to their teeth. They later learned that it is related to angina pectoris, which can be a heart problem.

The nerves that innervate your heart and lift the sensation of pain are the same nerves that take on the same sensation for orthopedic, gastrointestinal and dental problems; it’s the same distribution of nerves, “he said. “People who have heart problems will often say that they have felt pain in their jaw. Therefore, no symptoms should be pushed sideways, as it could be a cardiac symptom. ”

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is best to seek medical attention. (If you think you have a heart attack or stroke, be sure to call 911.)

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

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

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, Steinbaum said. “Following a diet and exercising and incorporating stress management are key components of lowering blood pressure.”

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

High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can block arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke, Steinbaum said. “When you control your cholesterol, you give your arteries the best chance to stay safe from blockages. Cholesterol can often be managed through dietary changes, increasing the amount of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and incorporating healthy fats. Reducing saturated fats is also an important part of this. ”

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

“Living an active life is one of the most satisfying gifts you can give to those you love,” Steinbaum said. “Simply, daily physical activity increases your duration and quality of life.”