5 warning signs of Heart Trouble that can occur in everyday life

When we talk about heart ailments, we immediately think of a heart attack. However, a heart attack is in fact, the last symptom of heart trouble, which unfortunately can be fatal, if medical help is not provided immediately. The fact of the matter is that heart trouble brews slowly over months and years, displaying signs that many ignore. These subtle symptoms are normally the first warning sign that something is not right, and you need to get checked out. Of course, these signs are not exclusive to heart trouble, but one can never be sure, so if you suffer from these, make sure that you get medical advice promptly.

The most common and well-known sign of heart trouble is chest pain or discomfort. This pain is often described as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness in the middle or left side of the chest. It may feel like someone is pressing or sitting on your chest. Sometimes, the pain can be sharp or burning. Often there is no pain, but it feels like "an elephant is sitting on the chest". This discomfort can last for several minutes or come and go in waves. It may also spread to other parts of your upper body, such as your arms (especially the left arm), neck, jaw, back, or even your stomach. If you notice this kind of pain, especially during rest or light activity, it is important to seek medical help immediately, as it could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious heart condition.

Feeling short of breath or having difficulty breathing can be a sign that your heart is not pumping blood efficiently. This symptom can happen with or without chest pain. You might notice that you get tired more quickly than usual during simple activities like walking up stairs or doing household chores. Shortness of breath may also occur suddenly, even when you are resting. It can feel like you cannot get enough air or that breathing is harder than normal. If you experience this symptom frequently or it worsens, it could indicate heart trouble such as heart failure or an impending heart attack.

Feeling extremely tired or weak without a clear reason can be a subtle but important sign of heart problems. This fatigue is different from normal tiredness after a long day. It may come on suddenly or gradually and can make it hard to carry out your usual daily activities, even after you have rested enough. Women, in particular, may experience unusual fatigue as a warning sign of heart trouble, sometimes even before chest pain appears. This tiredness can be overwhelming and may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or shortness of breath.

Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint can happen if your heart is not pumping enough blood to your brain. This can be caused by a blocked artery, irregular heartbeat, or other heart conditions. You might notice that you feel weak, unsteady, or like you might pass out. Sometimes, this feeling is accompanied by sweating or nausea. If you experience these symptoms, especially along with chest pain or shortness of breath, it is important to get emergency medical care.

Heart trouble does not always cause chest pain. Sometimes, the pain or discomfort can appear in other parts of the body. Common areas include:

One or both arms
Neck
Jaw
Back
Stomach
This pain often does not get worse with movement or touch, which helps distinguish it from muscle or joint pain. It may feel like aching, pressure, or numbness. Women are more likely to experience these less typical symptoms during a heart attack.

References

Medical News Today
American Heart Association
NHS UK
Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms