- Heart disease is the main cause of death in the United States.
- Swelling, unexplained fatigue and chest pain are signs that you should see a cardiologist.
- Regular controls with a health professional are essential to catch hidden or less obvious symptoms.
Heart disease affects approximately 127.9 million Americans over 20, making it the main cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, thanks to current research, it becomes easier to prevent, detect and treat heart disease earlier. However, signs of heart disease are not always obvious. We talked about six doctors to better understand eight signs that can indicate a problem and are worth talking to a cardiologist.
1. You have chest pain or discomfort
“This is probably the most sadly famous sign of a heart problem. The chest pain can be described as a pressure, a seal, a heaviness or a burn, and it can spread to the arm, neck, jaw or back. Not all chest pain is linked to the heart, but ignoring it can be dangerous ” Blen tesfu, md.
“Sometimes it is important to see a cardiologist earlier (rather) than late. Certain symptoms, such as chest pain, could represent a serious heart problem that requires urgent or even emergency care. The evaluation of potential heart problems can make them worse and perhaps even save your life, ”adds Cheng-Han Chen, MDCertified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the structural cardiopathy program at the SADDLEBACK MEDICAL CENTER Memorialcare.
2. You have a breathlessness
“If you feel that you are breathtaking that does regular activities like putting the stairs, transporting shopping or going to bed, it could be more than being out of shape,” says Tesfu. While being breathtaking after physical activity is not abnormal, if you notice a sudden change that does not improve over time, it is better to play safely and speak with a health professional.
Tesfu adds: “Slesing can be a sign that not enough blood flows from the heart, which can be a sign of congestive heart failure or a valve disease. A cardiologist can check how much your heart works and determine if there is an underlying cardiovascular problem that should be resolved. ”
3. You have an irregular heart rate or palpitations
“Some other less common signs of heart disease include feelings of rapid heart rate and dizziness. If someone has a quick feeling of a quick heart rate (also called palpitations), especially during effort, this can also indicate a significant underlying heart disease “, explains” Sheharyar Ali, MDAn interventional cardiologist.
“Although occasional palpitations are generally benign, experimenting with high frequency or for a longer duration could be a sign of arrhythmias, (which are) irregular cardiac rhythms which could increase your risk of cerebral or heart accidents if they are not treated,” adds Tesfu.
4. You have swelling in your legs / ankles
Chen highlights swelling of the feet or legs like another potential sign of heart disease. When your heart does not work as well as it should, it cannot pump effective blood and causes blood backup in your lower limbs, such as your calves or ankles. This can lead to a liquid leak in the surrounding tissues and cause a type of swelling called edema.
Temporary swelling in the bottom legs is quite common and generally harmless. Hot weather, injury, high sodium intake, certain drugs, pregnancy and Sitting for long periods (Like when you take a long flight) can cause additional liquid in your feet or legs. On the other hand, swelling in both legs (bilateral swelling) which does not calm down after a few days, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate or fatigue – are signs that must be assessed by a health professional.
5. You have high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor in heart disease. This happens when the blood pressure force against the walls of your artery is always too high, which makes your heart work harder than it should. Over time, this additional tension can weaken your heart and blood vessels and increase your risk of heart failure. “High blood pressure does not always have symptoms, but over time, it can calmly damage and increase your chances of serious heart problems”, explains Michael Ross Macdonald, MDSenior cardiologist at the Harley Street Heart and Vascular Center.
“People with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease and should be assessed by a cardiologist,” added Sergiu Darabant, MDCardiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.
It is recommended that healthy adults will be checked at least once a year, generally during their annual physique. You can also check your blood pressure using a home instructor or in your local pharmacy, although it is important to note that these methods may not be as precise as testing your levels by a trained health professional.
6. You have unexplained dizziness or fatigue
Unexplained stunning, dizziness or Fatigue in progress May also be signs of heart problems. “This dizzy occurs due to the inability of the heart to increase blood intake to the brain during the effort due to serious underlying blockages in the heart arteries,” said Ali.
“The fog of the brain or the harm to concentrate is another. People often assume that it is stress or bad sleep, and several times, that’s exactly what it is. But if it comes with blood pressure, dizziness or fatigue, I could look at myself if the heart pumps effectively to keep the brain properly supplied with oxygen, “adds the heart effectively to keep the brain properly supplied with oxygen,” adds the heart Asim Cheema, MDA specialist in cardiology at your online doctors.
7. You have other health problems
It is not uncommon for individuals to undergo multiple health problems, called comorbidities. Having comorbidities may increase the risk of a person to develop other important health problems, such as heart disease. “People with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease and should be assessed by a cardiologist,” said Darabant.
Health problems that Increase your risk of heart disease Include kidney disease, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (MPOC), atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate), peripheral arteries and overweight or obesity.
8. You have family history of heart disease
Having family history of heart disease is another major risk factor to develop the disease and a good reason to make an appointment with a preventive cardiologist. “If heart diseases take place in your family, it is worth being very careful, even if you feel good at the moment,” explains Macdonald.
Darabant agrees, adding: “Family history of heart disease are another important reason, because hereditary risks can play a major role in future problems and can strongly influence heart health.” He also highlights the importance of prevention by a healthy lifestyle. “Unhealthy habits such as smoking, being overweight or not doing the exercise regularly add to the risk and make early cardiovascular intervention even more important,” he said. Of course, regular checks are also an intelligent way to stay informed of your health.
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When to see a health care provider
If you feel one of the symptoms listed above, it is best to make an appointment with a healthcare professional, ideally cardiologist. “In cardiology, we are trained to look for models – not just dramatic symptoms, but the calm symptoms that are often overlooked. The delicate part is that many of these signs could indicate something heart – or they could come from something else. This is why the context counts so much, ”says Cheema.
To help prevent or take heart disease early, it is essential to plan regular controls with a health professional, such as a cardiologist or a primary care doctor.
The bottom line
Heart concerns must always be taken seriously and discussed with a health professional. While people associate heart disease with obvious symptoms, such as sudden and sharp chest pain, it can also present itself more subtle and even silent. Tesfu insists: “If you feel one of the above symptoms – or even if you are just at high risk due to age, lifestyle or family history – a visit to a cardiologist can be a vital movement.”