Heart-related issues rank among the top health risks in the country. This is especially true for the elderly population and for those with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. However, even young and healthy people are susceptible to cardiovascular ailments, as genetics may also play a role. So, it is imperative to watch out for early symptoms of heart issues that might put one at risk of contracting a serious disease.

Understanding the condition

Equating heart disease with heart attack is a common error. In fact, heart disease or cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term that includes heart attack, congestive heart failure, angina, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and other such conditions. While all of these conditions can be dangerous, there may not always be clear warning signs. In many cases, the symptoms are subtle and difficult to notice. Some of them may have nothing to do with the chest. Understandably, these may remain undetected, and people may carry on with their day-to-day lives without recognizing the danger to their health and wellbeing. So, the following list contains common early symptoms of heart issues that may help diagnose the disease in time.

Chest pain

Chest pain is one of the most obvious cardiovascular disease symptoms. Any kind of pain or discomfort in this area should not be taken lightly. Tightness in the chest can also be a cause for concern. Such pains can be caused by several factors; in particular, chest pain brought on by poor blood flow to the heart is known as angina. However, note that the type and intensity of these pains can vary from person to person, and the intensity is not necessarily proportional to the severity of the problem. So, if one experiences recurring chest pains, whether dull or sharp, and their chest feels heavy over an extended period, it is best to consult a doctor and seek professional help.

Stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion

Sustained bouts of stomach ache, heartburn, or indigestion can be early warning signs of a heart attack or other heart-related issues. While bad eating habits and lifestyle choices can cause such kinds of discomfort, they can also indicate an existing or impending heart ailment. If any of these symptoms persist for a considerable period, it may be time to consult the doctor.

Shortness of breath, nausea, or fatigue

The symptoms of heart issues can often be different for men and women. It is generally believed that when faced with a critical heart condition, men are more likely to develop severe chest pains. In contrast, women are more likely to experience other symptoms alongside discomfort in the chest. For instance, nausea, severe difficulty in breathing, and extreme fatigue are often observed in women as early signs. These symptoms could indicate congestive heart failure—a condition that affects the heart’s pumping mechanism. While these could be brought on by stress or exertion, the signs may become noticeable when one begins to experience them while at rest too. Similarly, light-headedness can accompany one or more of these symptoms. One may also begin to feel dizzy; therefore, it is important to always be on the lookout for these signs.

Excessive sweating

Some people perspire more than others, and there can be several issues at play here, ranging from one’s physical condition to the kind of food they consume. Activities such as working out or walking under direct sunlight on a particularly hot day are perfectly normal reasons to sweat profusely. However, sweating excessively or waking up in a cold sweat without an apparent reason can be a cause for worry. In particular, if one experiences other heart disease-related symptoms along with excessive sweat, treatment should be sought immediately and self-diagnosis should be strictly avoided in such cases.

Pain in the limbs and ankles

Pain in the limbs and ankles isn’t generally associated with cardiovascular disease symptoms. However, recurring pains in these areas can indeed be early warning signs. If one repeatedly experiences a gripping or cramping sensation in their legs while walking, a nagging pain along the arms, or swollen ankles, these concerns should be discussed with their doctor. One might also experience pain in their jaw.

It never hurts to exercise caution when it comes to potentially serious conditions. If nothing else, doctors can at least confirm that the presence of one or more of these signs is indeed a false alarm.

One can drastically reduce the chances as well as the impact of heart-related ailments by acquainting themselves with warning signs and cardiovascular disease symptoms. When it comes to heart diseases, it pays to be extra vigilant. If discovered early, most heart-related ailments can be successfully treated. If the symptoms go unnoticed for a long period, they may worsen and the condition can turn into untreatable heart disease.