6 subtle but serious signs you have a heart problem

Every 36 seconds, one person in the US dies of cardiovascular disease, making it one of the leading causes of death for Americans. In addition, about 655,000 Americans die from heart complications each year, which equates to one in four deaths.

While these statistics are alarming, the more worrying thing is that many people are completely unaware of the small, insidious signs that can indicate cardiovascular problems.

“Many people view chest pain as a warning sign of cardiovascular disease,” says Mariko Harper, a Seattle physician. specialized in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. But, he added, “While more than half of people experience chest pain when they have a heart attack, up to a third of patients – especially women – have no chest symptoms at all. They can show more atypical or subtle symptoms. “

Ignoring these signs means ignoring your entire well-being.

If the body were thought of as a machine, the heart would be the battery that powers it, said Aeshita Dwivedi, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. “In essence, the rest of the body cannot perform optimally without a functioning heart,” she said.

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

Christine Bishara, founder of The integrative medical practice From Within Medical in New York, said swelling in the lower legs, especially the ankles and feet, could mean heart disease. This problem is also referred to as edema.

“If your heart loses its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body – either through weakened heart muscles or damage to heart tissue from a silent heart attack – blood flow can slow down and get into the legs, leading to swelling,” she said .

As mentioned, some people will not experience chest pain when dealing with heart problems. While this can happen to anyone, Bishara said it is especially true for people with diabetes. Instead, they may have trouble breathing.

“Because diabetes affects and dulls nerve sensations, [someone who is diabetic] with severe heart disease may never experience symptoms of chest pain, ”she said. “This is why shortness of breath should never be ignored, especially if it is a new beginning.”

A tired feeling that you just can’t shake can be another subtle sign of heart trouble, according to Bishara. Especially if it seemingly came out of nowhere.

“If fatigue symptoms are acute-onset or without an identifiable underlying cause, see your doctor,” she said.

Bishara said these pains “should not be ignored, as they could also be signs of a heart block or impending heart attack. Back pain is common in women and is sometimes the only symptom. ” This is especially the case if the pain is arbitrary (for example, you did not strain anything while exercising).

The timing of such palpitations is just as important as the symptom itself. Keep in mind that exercise, caffeine, and anxiety can all cause an accelerated heart rate. However, if you sit down or are in some other relaxed state and your heart starts pounding, that could be a sign that something is wrong. Dizziness and vertigo can also be symptoms.

Cardiovascular problems can manifest as jaw complaints. Marcus Smith, a physician at CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma, said he has had patients complain of jaw pain that they initially thought was related to their teeth. They later found out it was linked to angina pectoris, which could be a heart problem.

“The nerves that innervate your heart and pick up the feeling of pain are the same nerves that pick up the same feeling for orthopedic problems, gastrointestinal problems and dental problems; it’s the same distribution of nerves, ”he said. “People who often have heart problems will say they felt pain in their jaw. Hence, the symptoms should not be put aside as it can be a cardiac symptom. “

If you find yourself experiencing any of these problems, it is best to seek medical attention. (If you think you’re having a heart attack or stroke, be sure to call 911.)

Smith said your doctor will first ask you questions about your lifestyle and behavior to assess your risk factors. From there, you can have an exam (or be referred to a cardiologist) to get a better look at what’s going on.

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

“High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes,” Steinbaum said. “Watching your diet and exercise, and incorporating stress management are important components of lowering your blood pressure.”

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

“High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and strokes,” Steinbaum said. “If you control your cholesterol, you give your blood vessels the best chance of staying free of blockages. Cholesterol can often be managed through dietary changes, by increasing the amount of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits, and by including healthy fats. Reducing saturated fats is also an important part of this. ”

Finally, try to get some exercise that you enjoy as best you can. The American Heart Association recommends about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. (Here’s a list of activities you can do to achieve this goal – no boring cardio required!)

“Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones,” said Steinbaum. “Simply put, daily physical activity increases your height and quality of life.”