Warning Signs of Heart Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore
Many people believe that heart disease is only alarming when symptoms are severe. In reality, many signs can develop gradually, and overlooking them can mean missing the chance for early, effective treatment.
Let’s explore the key warning signs that indicate it might be time for a heart check-up.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Chest discomfort, especially during activity or exertion.
- Unusual fatigue, even from simple activities like walking or climbing stairs.
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat.
- Shortness of breath or or Frequent Breathlessness.
- Dizziness or fainting; feeling unsteady or passing out.
- Persistent weakness, even without strenuous activity.
- Difficulty breathing when lying down; needing to prop up on pillows to sleep.
- Swollen legs or sudden weight gain.
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms...
Don’t immediately assume the worst.
We recommend starting with our preliminary symptom assessment
to better understand if your symptoms may be heart-related.
A Deeper Look at the 8 Key Warning Signs
The symptoms of heart disease are diverse, ranging from chest discomfort and unusual fatigue to palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, difficulty breathing when lying down, and even swollen legs with sudden weight gain.
These eight signs cover the vast majority of major heart conditions. By understanding them better, you can effectively care for yourself and your loved ones. Let’s begin by getting to know these eight key warning signs in more detail.
1. Chest Discomfort, Especially During Activity or Exertion
Chest pain or discomfort is the most common sign of heart disease, particularly in patients with cardiac ischemia (a condition where the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood).
- It can feel like heavy pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest.
- Symptoms often occur during exertion, such as walking quickly, lifting heavy objects, or climbing stairs.
- The pain may radiate to the arms, neck, or jaw, especially on the left side.
If you experience chest comfort that does not improve with rest, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Unusual Fatigue, Even From Simple Activities; like walking and climbing stairs
If you find yourself getting tired much more quickly than usual during light activities like walking to another room, climbing a few stairs, or doing chores at home, it could be a sign that your heart is working harder than normal to pump blood throughout your body.
- Feeling so tired that you avoid daily routines.
- Needing to take frequent breaks while walking or doing housework.
- A persistent lack of energy, even with adequate rest.
This may occur because the heart is beginning to pump less effectively and warrants further evaluation.
3. Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat; a noticeably strong heartbeat
A heartbeat that feels unusually fast, strong, or irregular could be a sign of an arrhythmia, such as Atrial Fibrillation (AF) or other types.
- Some describe it as a “forceful, thumping heartbeat” for no apparent reason.
- It may be accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- A very rapid heart rate, if left untreated, can lead to long-term heart failure.
Certain arrhythmias require specialized testing, such as a Holter monitor or an Electrophysiology Study (EPS).
4. Shortness of Breath or Frequent Breathlessness
If you feel like you can’t get a full breath, need to take deep breaths consciously, or constantly feel like you “need more air,” it might be a result of heart failure or fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Feeling unable to get enough air, even without exertion.
- Waking up at night feeling breathless, needing to sit up to breathe.
- Becoming so breathless from minor activity that it’s difficult to speak.
Unlike normal fatigue, this often occurs even at rest and tends to worsen if ignored.
5. Dizziness or Fainting; feeling unsteady or passing out.
While these symptoms can seem minor, if they occur repeatedly without a clear cause, they could be a sign that your heart is not pumping enough blood to your brain.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when getting up from a seated or lying position.
- Feeling unsteady or off-balance while walking.
- Brief periods of confusion, lack of focus, ringing in the ears, or blurred vision.
This can be caused by an arrhythmia or a sudden drop in blood pressure. If unaddressed, it poses a risk of fainting, falling, or accidents.
6. Persistent Weakness, Even Without Strenuous Activity
If you feel a constant lack of energy and persistent weakness, even when you haven’t done heavy work or after a full night’s sleep, it could be a sign that your heart is silently overworking.
- Feeling exhausted from the moment you wake up, despite sleeping enough.
- Feeling tired after minimal activity like walking or light housework.
- Needing frequent rests and feeling a continuous decline in energy throughout the day.
This type of chronic fatigue can result from reduced blood flow from the heart, leading to insufficient oxygen delivery to the body. It’s a common sign in those with early-stage heart problems, even before other symptoms are obvious.
7. Difficulty breathing when lying down; needing to prop up on pillows to sleep. (Orthopnea)
Some patients with heart disease feel short of breath or chest discomfort when they lie down flat, forcing them to sit up to sleep in order to breathe more easily.
- Waking up in the middle of the night gasping for breath.
- Feeling better when the head is elevated with several pillows.
- This is a common symptom of heart failure or a weakened heart muscle.
Frequent occurrences may mean the heart cannot adequately return blood from the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation.
8. Swollen legs or sudden weight gain.
Swelling (edema) in the feet, ankles, or legs is another key sign of abnormal heart function, especially when it occurs with rapid weight gain.
- The swelling is typically bilateral (in both legs equally), unlike swelling from a vein issue which is often one-sided.
- Shoes that used to fit well begin to feel tight.
- Weight increases by several kilograms in a short period.
This is often caused by reduced function of the right side of the heart, leading to a backup of fluid in the circulatory system.
"Take a simple risk assessment before deciding to visit the hospital."
Whether you have questions about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, or navigating healthcare coverage, our staff is ready to answer your initial questions before you commit to a screening.
Conclusion
Many symptoms may not seem severe, but if they are recurring or impact your daily life, it is wise to get a heart check-up for your own peace of mind. Early detection and prompt treatment are the keys to long-term heart health.
