Watch Out For These Symptoms That Might Indicate You Are Having A Heart Attack
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is among the leading causes of death across the globe? This has been exacerbated by the current lifestyle of our society. We typically eat unhealthy food, regular too infrequently, work too much, and sleep too little. It is too easy to ignore the signals that our body sends us as warnings. Sadly, people do not often catch or recognize these potentially fatal signs. Heart issues come with a variety of symptoms. We have come up with this list to ensure that this does not happen to you. If you notice a number of these conditions, make sure to talk to your doctor about them. As we all know, it is much better to be safe than sorry!
Fatigue
Not only is fatigue a result of too little sleep, but it can also be a sign of heart disease. The amount of blood goes down when you have a cardiac arrest, which means that the heart has to work harder. This is the reason it causes exhaustion. If you notice that you always feel tired for seemingly no reason, it is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. Fatigue might also be a sign of some other illness.
Nausea And Loss Of Appetite
Do you feel nauseous and suffer from loss of appetite and indigestion? If these symptoms are new for you, make sure to keep an eye on your health. If need be, you can always consult your doctor. These things are not always caused by heart illness, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Among other things, they are also symptoms of pregnancy and gastritis. A medical professional should know what to do.
Fainting
You should be worried if you faint all the time. You can’t go wrong with talking to a cardiologist about it as this can mean that you have a heart illness. People tend to lose consciousness when they are in pain, dehydrated, or physically exhausted. There are various reasons behind it, although this is also known to be a symptom of heart disease. This is typically linked with declining blood pressure that then results in a lack of oxygen in the blood. It is no laughing matter whatsoever. Please take this sign seriously.
Inflammation Of The Gums
Most of the time, gingivitis is harmless. You should tell your dentist if the pain in your mouth gets worse, however. Heart problems can cause this. It often starts as an inflamed palate, which indicates batteries in your bloodstream. Bacteria are also known to cause blood clots in various parts of the body. You might be shocked to hear that heart and dental health are often related. Make sure to take care of your teeth!
Sleeping Disorder
For the most part, sleep disorders are harmless and treatable. A lot of the time, however, they are also caused by heart problems. You should not treat your insomnia like a joke since it can also cause a number of afflictions. If you find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, do not hesitate to ask a doctor for help. If you have difficulty breathing while asleep, there might be fluid in the lungs.
Cold Sweat
The body sends us cold sweats as a warning sign of sorts. The body often regulates the temperature with perspiration. When you are sweating a lot, the heart has to work hard to pump more blood to other parts of the body. If you often get cold sweats, get in touch with your doctor to see if there is anything more to it. Aside from heart disease, it is also a symptom of cancer, infection, and neurological illness. Stress and medication also tend to cause it.
Pain In The Upper Body And Arms
Tension is often the culprit behind pain in your arms and upper body. This is also an indication of a heart attack. No one can pinpoint the exact moment that the pain brought about by a heart attack starts. This is the reason you should always be alert and cautious. It begins in an affected area before it radiates the pain to the left, as well as the right arm. You might feel pain in the back or the mouth. Most of the time, it is harder to spot these signs in women than in men.
Shortness Of Breath
People often associate shortness of breath with fat people. This is not always the case, however. Do you feel short of breath despite not having done anything tiring? It might be a sign that you are having a heart attack or a panic attack. If the airways and the blood do not work well together, it can be taken as a sign that there is an impending or existing heart illness. It might be what makes it so hard to breathe.
Chest Pain
You might already know that chest pain is a possible harbinger of a heart attack or heart disease. You should be very careful if this comes with breathing difficulties. If you feel chest pain all of a sudden, you should head to the emergency room right away. It is not always the same, although it often starts with a feeling of burning pain or tightness in the chest. If the symptoms go on for a couple of minutes, it might be a heart attack. You should get medical attention at the earliest availability.
Open Wounds On The Feet
It is important to treat open wounds right away since they can get infected really quickly. This is even more imperative when the ulcers and wounds don’t heal by themselves. It can be a symptom of aortoiliac disease, which is the blockage of the aorta. It can result in ischemia or lower oxygen and blood supply to the tissues. This might then lead to tissue death or even loss of a limb in the worst-case scenario.
Pain In The Toes
We doubt that you get all hung up about toe pain. If you suffer from pain in this part of the body while resting, it is most definitely not because of tight shoes. You should take it upon yourself to look for the cause of the problem. It is, after all, a symptom of aortoiliac occlusive disease. Your best bet is to discuss the matter with your doctor to see whether it has anything to do with a heart illness.
Cramps In The Thighs And Buttocks
Did you know that cramps are sometimes caused by a magnesium deficiency? Extreme exertion is also known to cause this condition. Heart disease has also been linked to this symptom. If you feel severe cramps or pain in the thighs, calves, and buttocks while walking, discuss it with your doctor. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has said that this is a symptom of aortoiliac occlusive disease. It is always best to err on the side of caution than the alternative.
No Hair Growth On The Legs
Have you noticed that there is poor hair growth on your legs? This might mean that you are suffering from peripheral arterial disease, which is a circulatory condition that involves the buildup of plaque. It also slows down the flow of blood to the limbs. The McLeod Health Service in South Carolina has said that hair loss on the limbs can be a symptom of it. This might be the reason your hair is falling out.
Sputum When Coughing
Do you cough frequently with sputum? If this is the case, you should be concerned. A pinkish-white hue to your sputum might mean that there is fluid build-up in the lungs. The American Heart Association has said that it is a common sign of cardiovascular disease. Of course, it might just be a simple cold. Even so, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor can help you figure out what is truly causing it.
Interrupted Sleep
It is a good idea to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. But avoid drinking too much liquid before you hit the sack to avoid getting up to use the toilet in the middle of the night. However, it might be indicative of a more serious condition. Mayo Klinik said that a strong urge to urinate can be a sign of heart failure. Do not ignore it since it might have seriously bad repercussions for your health.
Chest Discomfort
There are several possible reasons for chest discomfort. You might suffer from it when you have acid reflux. Make sure to keep an eye on it if the pain does not go away. After all, it might be a sign of an impending cardiac arrest! The American Heart Association advises people to talk to their doctor or go to the emergency room just in case. This is better than waiting for it to go away all by itself.
Erectile Dysfunction
Among men, erectile dysfunction is a cause of concern. This condition can be caused by a heart illness. Harvard Medical School said that an erection needs an extra supply of blood to the genitals. The blood flow might be interrupted when the arteries are calcified. You can treat this condition if you talk to your doctor about it. You might need to go to a specialist, but it is worth fixing this issue as soon as you can.
Confusion And Forgetfulness
We doubt that you put a lot of stock in confusion and forgetfulness. The levels of specific chemicals in our blood can result in sodium level changes. This then results in both memory loss and confusion. Fatigue, malnutrition, and lack of minerals and vitamins might cause these issues too. It is best to rule out heart illness as soon as you can. Only a doctor will be able to run tests to see what you have to do.
Panic Attacks
A lot of people confuse heart attacks with panic attacks since they have similar symptoms. They both come with fear, malaise, sweating, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Physical weakness and dizziness are also symptoms of the two. The heart rate shoots up as well. It is a good idea to figure out which of the two it is as soon as you can. A professional can diagnose you and treat you as needed.
Sudden Tenderness In The Breast
Chest pain and pressure can mean that there is an impending heart attack. You might feel a dull and painful sensation in the chest. You should talk to a doctor right away since it might be atrial fibrillation. Those who suffer from this condition are at a higher risk of stroke. Do not waste a single moment and act upon it as soon as possible. This might be a rare problem, but you should be worried if it recurs.
Difficulty Of Breathing
Have you noticed that you find it hard to breathe when you are lying down? It might be more serious than you think it is. When you are at rest, your muscles should be relaxed. There is no reason for you to feel discomfort when you breathe. If this happens as you rest or lie down, it is worth talking to the doctor about it. The American Heart Association has said that heart illness might be present if your blood pools in your veins as it can’t flow any other way. It might lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs.
Sudden Migraine
The truth is that migraines are not uncommon, but do you know what causes them? A lot of people have no idea that it might be a sign of heart illness. This sort of pain might be a symptom of a stroke or a blood clot. You should be concerned when you feel dizziness and pain. Do not waste a single second and head to the emergency room as soon as possible. After all, every single minute is of the essence.
Back Pain
We are sure that you have noticed how many folks suffer from back pain. Perhaps you have it too! You might be taken by surprise once you learn that it can be a sign of a heart problem. It can even be a warning of an impending heart attack if it is felt in the upper or lower back. If it starts in the chest, you should also be worried. These symbols are harder to spot in women than in men. At any rate, a doctor is in the best position to help you out no matter what is truly causing it. Aside from medical help, your diet is important when it comes to preventing heart disease. These foods are awesome for a healthier heart.
Coffee
Are you the kind of person who does not feel ready if you do not drink coffee in the morning? We get where you are coming from. It is a good thing that a moderate coffee consumption actually prevents strokes, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. Don’t overdo it, and you should be good to go!
Cranberries
It is not a secret that cranberries are tasty and refreshing, especially in juices. This is a fruit that is full of all kinds of nutrients and antioxidants. We are glad to share that it is a super fruit that is capable of bringing down your risk of heart illness. On top of that, it can also be used to ward off gum disease, urinary tract infections, and stomach ulcers. We highly recommend eating more of this amazing fruit.
Flax Seeds
These seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acid, which is frequently referred to as the good type of fat. This makes for a great way to obtain it if you do not enjoy nuts and fish. Flax seeds are loaded with it, so they are awesome alternatives. All you have to do is add a tablespoon of them to your fruit bowls, salads, and smoothies. This way, you can enjoy all the antioxidants, estrogen, and nutrients that the seeds have.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
We are not going to deny that Californication is an awesome album. However, we are talking about the actual red hot chili peppers. This feisty little veggie is full of capsaicin, which is known to bring down blood pressure and cholesterol levels. While it will promote cardiovascular health, it would be a bad idea to eat them whole. This fellow right here took way more than he should have had. We feel bad for him.
Ginger
Do you like ginger? Of course, you do. There is more to it than the smell and taste that it has to offer. Research has revealed that it is also good at promoting heart health. It turns out that eating it regularly will bring down the risk of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. On top of that, it is the best thing to add to your sushi when it comes to taste. No need to feel bad when you have a lot of it.
Grapefruit
Likewise, there is more to grapefruit than its smell and taste. This superfruit has a lot of nutrition to offer as well. Grapefruit has high levels of potassium, choline, fiber, lycopene, and vitamin C. We mean it when we say that regular consumption of it will improve the state of your heart health. On top of that, it is included in the DASH diet, a nutritional plan formulated to bring down blood pressure.
Green Tea
If you want to quench your thirst, you can’t go wrong with green tea.
This awesome super drink has a lot of antioxidants. It is great if you
want to prevent the buildup of plaque in the walls of your artery. Apart
from that, drinking this beverage will also lower the LDL, cholesterol,
and triglycerides in the body.
Kidney Beans
What should you do if you want to make your soups and stews better?
The answer is to add kidney beans into the concoction. They bring out a
unique taste and improve your memory and heart health at the same time.
The low-fat, high-fiber beans are full of minerals and vitamins. It has a
lot of magnesium, protein, and folate. Not only that, but kidney beans
are also known to reduce homocysteine and bring down the risk of
diabetes, stroke, heart attack, cancer, and peripheral vascular disease.
Oranges
Do you want a healthier life? If this is the case, oranges can help
you with that. This fruit is awesome because it is refreshing and tasty.
Besides that, it is also full of nutrients, fiber, and vitamin C. It
also has a ton of potassium that flushes out the sodium in the body,
brings down blood pressure levels, and neutralizes proteins that are bad
for the heart. Its high pectin content also absorbs cholesterol.
Kale
We know that it can be hard to look for kale, but it is worth the
effort as one of the heartiest members of the cabbage family. Trust us,
your hard work will pay off since it has a ton of nutrients that promote
the health of the heart. Just so you know, kale is good since it has a
lot of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. The veggie also has
low fat and calorie content, so you should not feel guilty about using
more of it. Millennials seem to be big fans of kale, but they are
actually on the right track.
Garlic
You might have heard the rumor that garlic helps ward off vampires.
However, there is another benefit that most people don’t seem to know.
It is good at boosting the health of the art and has always been used to
improve the taste of many dishes across different cuisines. Garlic is
helpful at bringing down blood pressure, reducing arterial wall plaque
buildup, and preventing the constriction of blood vessels. You can still
enjoy these effects even if you are not a fan of its taste since it is
available in pill form too.
Red Wine
We are sure that you are delighted to find this on the list. After
all, you can still have a little fun with alcohol! As long as you do not
overdo it, drinking red wine will improve the state of your heart
health. You can have a glass with your meal to enjoy its health
benefits. This can lead to more flexible blood vessels, which is helpful
when it comes to the prevention of blood clots. On top of that, red
wine will lower the risk of coronary heart disease and improve the
levels of HDL in the body.
Lentils
Mind you, lentils do more than improve the taste of the dish you’re
cooking. This legume comes with plenty of health benefits too. Research
has shown us that a diet full of beans, lentils, and other types of
legumes brings down the risk of stroke and heart disease. On top of
that, it is full of potassium, protein, and magnesium. These things help
it lower blood pressure, bring down cholesterol levels, and reduce the
risk of plaque buildup in the blood vessels.
Almonds
What’s not to love about almonds? This might just be our favorite
snack. The nut offers high levels of nutrients that help improve our
cognitive functions and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
When you consume almonds on a regular basis, you are helping bring down
cholesterol, prevent LDL absorption, and reduce the risk for heart
ailments. The price is the only bad thing about this nut.
Pomegranates
Do you want to spice up your shake, smoothie, or salad? If this is
the case, get some pomegranate. This fruit has a lot of antioxidants,
and they come in handy in terms of preventing plaque buildup on the
artery walls and bring down the risk of heart illness. Studies show that
its consumption will prevent strokes, diabetes, prostate cancer, and
Alzheimer’s. On top of that, it is good for the teeth, skin, liver, and
joints.
Blueberries
Did you know that blueberries have a lot of antioxidants and
nutrients? If you did not, well, now you do. Studies have shown that
three servings of it and other berries each week will bring down blood
pressure levels, reduce the buildup of cholesterol, and prevent the
buildup of plaque on the artery walls. On top of all that, it is very
delicious! You simply can’t go wrong with it since it also prevents
cancer.
Beets
First of all, we want to acknowledge how cool beets look. It makes
for awesome salad toppers, but it is good for our health too. After all,
it is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. You might be
pleased to hear that they also bring down the homocysteine levels in the
body. This superfood is here since it will bring down the risk of
cardiovascular disease. Not only that, but it also prevents illnesses
and strengthens other body organs.
Salmon
We are not surprised to hear people say that their favorite fish is
none other than salmon. After all, it is highly versatile and tastes
great in sushi and salad. This fish is also full of omega-3 fatty acids
and different nutrients. Known as the “chicken of the sea,” its
consumption makes for a great way to bring down triglyceride levels,
loosen constricted blood vessels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular
disease, and prevent blood clots.
Rapid Weight Gain
Most people gain weight when they eat too much. However, it can also
indicate a heart illness. You see, fluid tends to build up in the body
when one has cardiovascular disease. This causes flatulence and bloating
in the sufferer, which both manifest as rapid weight gain. It might be
the reason you keep gaining weight even when you eat at a deficit. It is
a good idea to write down your daily consumption to see whether there
is any need for you to worry.
Irregular Heartbeat
There are many things that can lead to palpitations. This can be
caused by a change in mood or an adrenaline rush. You should be
concerned if it happens all the time with no identifiable cause. In the
medical field, the official term for this is arrhythmia. You should take
it seriously as it can cause a stroke if it is left untreated. We
advise you to get in touch with a doctor if you are suffering from this
symptom.
Persistent Coughing
We all know that it is annoying to deal with a stubborn cough. You
might not think about it much, but it might actually mean that you have
heart disease. When the heart finds it ready to circulate blood, this
can affect the lungs and lead to a persistent cough. You should be more
worried when there is sputum, especially a pink-white one. If it gets
worse at night when you lie down, you should also take it seriously.
Swelling Of The Legs
No one likes having swollen legs. Not only is it annoying, but it is
also painful. This is pretty common in the summer. However, it should be
a cause of concern if it happens too often. After all, this might be an
indication that you are suffering from heart illness. Fluid retention
results in edema. The feet and legs are the most affected parts of the
body since they are so far from the heart. Make sure to tell your doctor
about it if the swelling gets worse or does not disappear soon.
Snoring
You do not usually notice when you snore. This is something that only
other people can tell you. The medical term for this is sleep apnea.
The heart pauses for a moment before it goes back to the normal rhythm.
You should be vigilant precisely since it is hard to notice it all by
yourself. It is always best to go to a doctor when you have a concern
such as this one. Heart illnesses can be treated when caught early.
