Heart diseases often seem far away – a reserve for senior adults and people with weight challenges. Yet according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), 5% of adults aged 20 or older have coronary artery disease, while every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a heart attack. Knowing the most common warning signs of heart disease can help you make an informed decision. Learn the three early warning signs of heart disease.
1. You are Having Chest Pain That Comes and Goes
The most classic sign of heart attack is chest pain. You may feel a tightening, squeezing, or aching of the chest that comes and goes. The chest pain that leads to a heart attack is called angina. According to the American Heart Association, chest pain is caused when the heart muscle lacks sufficient oxygen.
When coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed, the heart exerts more pressure to pump blood, causing pain. Chest pain is not a disease but an underlying symptom. The best way to be sure is to consult a qualified cardiologist such as Dr. Ian Weisberg.
2. You have Difficulty Breathing, Especially During Activity
Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, is another classic sign of heart issues because it shows the heart can’t pump enough oxygen to meet the body’s demands. Fluids accumulate in the lungs and other body tissues, especially during physical activity or resting. Shortness of breath as a sign of heart disease manifests as a sensation of breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation. If you experience sudden and severe shortness of breath, often accompanied by chest pain, seek medical attention immediately. Cardiac electrophysiologists such as Dr. Ian Weisberg use medical procedures such as angioplasty and implantation of defibrators to treat blocked arteries.
3. You’ve Noticed Swelling in Your Lower Legs
When the heart is damaged, it’s unable to pump blood, leading to fluid retention in the body tissues, a condition called edema. Leg swelling is a classic sign of heart troubles because it signals the heart has Difficulty pumping blood effectively. Heart failure and valve disorders may also cause fluids to leak to surrounding tissues. You may feel heaviness and sensation on the lower parts of the leg accompanied by visible puffiness. You should seek medical attention soon if your legs and ankles are swelling.
Takeaway
Heart issues are too common today to ignore. With early intervention, cardiologists can chart a medical treatment plan to stop and delay the progression of heart disease. If you have noticed any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible:
- Uncomfortable chest pains
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling on your lower legs.
Heart disease is not only treatable in its early stages, but it’s also preventable. Act today and consult with a cardiologist.
