According to experts, heart disease often progresses slowly and mild symptoms are ignored at first. But there are some important warning signals that clearly indicate that your heart health is at risk.
The following are 6 such major warnings:
- Shortness of breath
If you are repeatedly short of breath even with minor exertion or at rest, it may be a sign of heart weakness or clogged arteries.
- Chest pain or pressure
A feeling of heaviness, burning or pressure in the chest is the biggest symptom of a heart attack. This pain can sometimes spread to the shoulder, arm, neck or jaw.
- Sudden and unusual fatigue
This is an important symptom of heart disease, especially in women. If you feel weak and tired without a reason, it may be an indication of inadequate pumping of the heart.
- Irregular heartbeat
A heart that beats too fast or too slow, or irregularly, can indicate a risk of heart attack or heart failure.
- Swelling
Recurrent swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs can be a sign of heart failure or fluid retention. Sometimes it can also indicate heart disease due to pressure on the kidneys.
- Dizziness or fainting
Dizziness can occur when blood flow to the brain is reduced. This can be the result of narrowed arteries or a weak pumping action of the heart.