The signs that your heart is in trouble aren’t always easy to identify. In fact, there are a few physical changes that you could be ignoring right now. Let’s look at what you need to know about the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that you need to see a doctor about your heart health.
The Difference Between Signs and Symptoms
The first thing to note is that there is a difference between signs and symptoms. The symptoms of heart disease are well-known and are usually experienced at the time of a cardiac event. These symptoms include chest pain, heaviness in the chest, and shortness of breath. Signs, on the other hand, may not be as jarring and in some cases, can only be seen during a physical examination.
For this list, the signs are ones you’ll notice but a doctor would be able to determine the severity of the condition involved.
Physical Changes That Should Concern You
It’s important to note that there are other illnesses or disorders that can cause the issues below. However, heart problems are still a strong contender, and checking in with your doctor is highly recommended.
Chronic fatigue – This sign is not as simple as getting tired after not sleeping well the night before. If you get tired easily after a light task or doing something routine, it could be a sign of heart disease. Women are more likely to experience this sign than men.
Sleep apnea – This sleep disorder interrupts your breathing at night and has been linked to high blood pressure as well as heart disease. If you snore a lot or recently started snoring, you could be dealing with sleep apnea.
Pain in the jaw and neck – Feeling pain in the throat, jaw, or neck in combination with chest pain or pressure could be a sign of heart disease.
Nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and bloating – Again, women are more likely to experience these issues than men. While other conditions can cause them, note that persons usually report feeling this way before having a cardiac event.