More than 600,000 people die of heart disease within the U.S. each year, according to the CDC. And, it’s the leading cause of death for men and women. While these numbers are startling, you can take charge of your health to ensure you reduce your risk of heart disease. Exercise, healthy eating, and regular checkups with your doctor should help keep your heart and cardiovascular system working like clockwork.
You also should look out for the potential warning signs of heart disease. These signs include sore or swollen gums, lack of appetite, sexual problems, and lightheadedness and fainting, and many more. Be familiar with the following signs of heart disease and see your doctor if you experience one or more of these symptoms.
Chest or Shoulder Aching
The feeling of a deep ache or heaviness on the chest is called Angina, a coronary heart disease symptom. More than 17 million people experience angina, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. However, many people don’t always give these symptoms much attention because they often think they are just experiencing muscle pain or heartburn.
If these types of symptom happen repeatedly, get medical attention immediately.
Swollen Feet or Legs
Edema, or fluid retention, is a sign of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and other cardiovascular issues. You might notice these symptoms if you take off your shoes and socks and notice tightness. What causes this to happen? The heart doesn’t pump as strong as it needs to so it can carry waste products away from the tissue.
Trouble Breathing or Shortness of Breath
A feeling of heaviness on your chest or have a shortness of breath could be an early sign of heart disease. In fact, 40% of women said they had shortness of breath preceding a heart attack, according to the National Institute of Health. What causes this symptom? A lack of enough oxygen being pumped into your bloodstream by your heart.
Also keep in mind that an unrelenting cough that makes it hard to breathe can be a sub-symptom of dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing).
Sore or Swollen Gums
Periodontal disease, including swollen or sore gums, could be a sign of heart disease as a result of poor circulation. “I absolutely believe there is a strong correlation between oral disease and heart function,” says Scott Merritt, DMD, founder and partner of Bridgemill Dentistry in Canton, GA.
Anxiety
Traumatic life events or a pattern of experiencing anxiety over your life leads to a greater risk of developing heart problems, according to studies. These stressful experiences take a toll on your heart, sometimes causing a decreased heart rate and high blood pressure, and possibly resulting in a heart attack.
Lack of Appetite
Loss of appetite is another symptom of heart problems. Some people with heart disease may even feel nauseous after eating.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Restricted breathing, including snoring, while you sleep can indicate poor heart health. In fact, studies indicate that those with sleep apnea — a sleep disorder that causes an individual’s breathing to be disrupted during sleep — are more likely to experience a heart attack compared to those without the disorder.
Fainting or Loss of Consciousness
Experiencing lightheadedness or fainting spells can indicated heart disease. These symptoms usually happen when arteries are clogged or narrowed, making it more difficult for the heart to pump enough blood. So, if you already know you have heart issues and you get dizzy or faint, visit your doctor ASAP.
Irregular Heartbeat
Arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, is an early indicator of an improperly functioning cardiovascular system. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of an irregular heartbeat. With this condition, blood flow to the heart is restricted as a result of blocked arteries. So, if your heart skips beats, beats too fast, or beats too hard, check with your doctor.
Skin Problems
Individuals with certain severe skin conditions, including shingles and eczema, are at a greater risk of stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, and angina. Another symptom of heart disease, although it’s less common, is bluish or pale skin, which can be caused by reduced blood flow, as well as a lower red blood cell count.
Sexual Issues
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Another early sign of progressive heart disease is erectile dysfunction. Narrowing arteries results in restricted blood flow to the penis. And in women, sexual arousal can be limited. Libido can be impeded as well, because a lack of oxygen in the blood often causes weakness and fatigue.
