Chest discomfort has been linked to a heart attack, but what about signs of heart failure, valve problems, or arrhythmia?
Not all people with heart disease will have chest pain. Instead, other symptoms may be warning signs of heart disease.
“Any symptoms that are triggered by exercise and relieved by rest may be heart-related,” says Dr. Randall Zussman, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University. “Symptoms other than chest pain may be clues to a heart problem, especially in people with underlying risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, or a strong family history of heart disease.”
If you experience any of the following symptoms for no apparent reason, be careful and report them to your doctor:
1. Fatigue
Fatigue can be caused by many illnesses and medications, but persistent new-onset fatigue can also be a sign of heart failure (a condition in which the heart doesn’t pump blood properly) or coronary artery disease. “It’s not a very common sign of coronary artery disease, but it’s a possibility,” says Dr. Zussman.
2. Unexplained pain
When coronary artery disease cuts off the blood supply to the heart muscle, the heart “screams in pain” when it’s asked to work harder. But the pain doesn’t always feel in the chest. It could also be in the shoulders, arms, back, jaw, or abdomen. Pain in these areas, especially when it comes with exercise and goes away with rest, could be a sign of heart disease.
When to report symptoms
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3. Shortness of breath
Don’t just assume shortness of breath is just a sign of poor health. Unexplained shortness of breath with little exertion could be a sign of heart disease. “It’s natural to be out of breath after climbing five flights of stairs, but if you’re out of breath after climbing 10 flights of stairs, that could be a sign of heart disease,” warns Dr. Zussman.
4. Swelling of the feet and ankles
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (swelling that leaves an indentation when you press on it with your finger) can be a sign of heart failure, or it can be caused by kidney or liver disease, venous insufficiency (weak veins in the legs), or a side effect of some medicines (especially nifedipine or amlodipine).
Is it a heart attack?
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5. Palpitations
“Palpitations” means that your heart feels like it is beating irregularly or rapidly. Most palpitations are harmless and can be caused by anxiety, caffeine intake, dehydration, and more.
- However, palpitations can also indicate a heart problem. It’s important to keep a record of how your palpitations feel, how often they occur, and what you were doing when they occurred. For example, if you are resting, such as watching TV, and your heart suddenly starts beating irregularly or rapidly, tell your doctor.
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