5 Signs You May Have Heart Problems
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease: Heart health is very important. Your heart works hard all the time, pumping blood and oxygen all over your body. If something goes wrong, your heart might give you warning signs. Knowing these signs can help you get help early. A certified family medicine physician, Dr. Natalia Hapych, explains signs that might mean you have heart problems. If you notice any of these signs, it is very important to talk to a doctor.
1. Chest Discomfort
One of the most common signs of a heart problem is chest discomfort. This might feel like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in your chest. The discomfort might come and go or last for several minutes. Usually, it is a sign that the heart is not getting enough oxygen, which can happen because of a blocked artery.
It is important to know that not all chest pain means heart trouble. But when chest pain happens with shortness of breath, sweating, or feeling sick, it could be a serious warning sign. According to Dr. Hapych, chest pain is a major symptom you should never ignore.
2. Shortness of Breath
If you often feel out of breath while doing things that used to be easy, it could be a sign of heart problems. The heart and lungs work together, and when the heart cannot pump blood well, you might find it hard to breathe. This can happen even when you are resting or lying down.
Shortness of breath might also happen, along with swelling in your legs or feet. Dr. Hapych says that this could be a sign of heart failure, which means the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should. If you feel breathless often, even if you think it is because you are out of shape, you should pay attention and talk to a doctor.
3. Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time, even after getting lots of rest, can be a sign of heart problems. It could mean your heart is having trouble sending enough oxygen-rich blood to your body.
Heart-related tiredness often feels like extreme exhaustion that does not go away with sleep or rest. You might also notice that simple activities, like climbing stairs or walking across a room, make you feel very tired. Experts say this type of fatigue can be linked to heart failure or other heart problems.
4. Swollen Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet could be more than just standing too long. If the heart does not pump blood well, fluid can build up in your veins and cause swelling. This is called edema.
Dr. Hapych says that swelling from heart problems often happens with other symptoms, like shortness of breath or weight gain. If your shoes feel tighter or if you have swelling that does not go away, it is a good idea to see a doctor. This could be a sign of a heart problem that needs treatment.
5. Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat—like a skipped beat or a racing pulse—might feel like a fluttering or pounding in your chest. It is normal to feel your heart race sometimes, like when you are nervous or excited. But if you often have irregular heartbeats for no reason, it could be a sign of a heart problem called arrhythmia.
Arrhythmias happen when there are problems with the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. This can make your heart beat too fast, too slow, or unevenly. Some arrhythmias are not dangerous, but others can increase the risk of serious problems like a stroke. Talk to a doctor if you have irregular heartbeats often, especially if you also feel dizzy or have chest pain.
Heart problems can be very serious, but knowing the signs can help you get help quickly. If you have chest discomfort, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, swelling, or irregular heartbeats, it is important to contact a doctor right away. These signs could mean you have a heart problem that needs medical attention.
