Many heart conditions are preventable, which means taking care of your heart health is incredibly important. Numerous risk factors exist that make maintaining a healthy lifestyle even more vital. If you have any of the following, you should speak with your doctor about your heart health.
- Tobacco use
- Family history
- Being overweight or obese
- Age (60 or over)
Other than these factors, some comorbidities also increase your risk of developing a heart condition. These diseases include high blood cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. If you have any of these conditions, make sure that you actively try to prevent heart disease. Following are some common heart symptoms that you should not ignore.
Fatigue
Surprisingly, fatigue can be a symptom of heart disease. Your body needs an oxygen supply to produce energy. When you suddenly start feeling exhausted after doing physical activity, it could be a sign that something is wrong, as blood pumped by the heart supplies oxygen to tissues. When heart health is compromised, insufficient oxygen leads to fatigue. While exercise makes everyone tired, you should be concerned if the fatigue is sudden. If you run a mile every day and one day feel extremely tired afterward, it could be a sign of a problem. Talk to your doctor if this occurs.
Lightheadedness
When you feel dizzy and lightheaded, it might be due to a sudden fall in blood pressure. Your blood pressure is greatly dependent on the condition of your heart. If your heart is unable to pump correctly, the blood pressure goes down. If you have recently started experiencing lightheadedness, then you should not ignore it. See your doctor, who will likely order some tests to check for common problems.
Chest Pain and Discomfort
Chest pain is the most commonly experienced symptom of a heart condition. The pain can be in the middle of the chest or on the left side. Sometimes, it is not even pain and more of a discomfort. Some people may complain of having a feeling of heaviness in the chest. All these sensations could point towards some heart issue, so pay attention to these symptoms and call 9-1-1 if they occur.
Nausea and Heartburn
Some people experience nausea and indigestion with heart issues, but these symptoms are generally associated with the stomach. Women experience them more commonly as a manifestation of a cardiac problem. If you have nausea and heartburn along with the risk factors of heart disease, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Heart disease can progress silently. It is crucial to look out for your heart health, especially if you have any risk factors. Ensure that your comorbidities are well-controlled in order to lower your risk of heart disease. Moreover, see your doctor regularly, and communicate if you experience any of the abovementioned symptoms.
