10 Heart Disease Symptoms We Ignore

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide; more than any cancer or other chronic disease.

Citing a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) , about 17.3 million people died worldwide in 2008 as a result of cardiovascular diseases.

In addition, it is estimated that, by 2030, the figure will rise to 23 million people a year.

Why does heart disease cause so many deaths?

It is true that many heart problems are the result of poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, environmental pollution or smoking, among others.

However, one of the reasons this health problem causes so many deaths in the world is because people are unaware of the warning signs or symptoms; as well as taking a long time to seek professional help to prevent the worst of the consequences.

Most symptoms of heart problems are not severe and can be confused with signs of other illnesses.

Knowing the symptoms of heart disease can be crucial to saving life. Therefore, getting informed and being aware of the signs is another form of prevention.

Below we’ll share 10 heart disease warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.

Dizziness and difficulty breathing

Dizziness and difficulty breathing are signs that could indicate a heart attack. This type of symptoms can also generate loss of consciousness and indicate abnormalities in the heart, as is the case with arrhythmias .

Fatigue

It especially affects women and can occur during a heart attack, or hours, days or week before the event. Feeling tired often can be a sign that you have some form of heart failure.

Of course, this symptom could also be a sign of another illness or health disorder. Therefore, the best thing to do is to consult a doctor in order to receive the proper diagnosis.

Nausea or lack of appetite

Many people experience nausea and vomiting before a heart attack. Also, a symptom, such as abdominal bloating, associated with heart failure can interfere with appetite.

Chest pain

Chest pain is a classic symptom of heart attacks, but not all cases are heart-related.

Dean Jean C. McSweeney, research associate at the University of Arkansas for the Little Rock School of Medical Sciences, said this is the first symptom everyone expects, even if it doesn’t appear in every case. .

McSweeney expresses that this pain feels like “an elephant sitting on the chest,” but it can also manifest itself as an uncomfortable feeling of pressure or fullness.

Pain in different parts of the body

Chest pain is most common when you are suffering from a heart attack. However, this pain can extend to the shoulders, arms, elbows, back, neck, jaw or abdomen. In fact, in some cases, chest pain does not manifest itself, but pain in the other areas mentioned.

irregular pulse

An occasional change in pulse can be considered normal. However, when such an irregularity is accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it may be a sign of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia.

Shortness of breathe

Losing your breath without strenuous exertion or at rest can be a sign of a lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It can also indicate a heart attack or heart failure. During a heart attack, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath may be accompanied by chest discomfort, but not in all cases.

Perspiration

Breaking into a cold sweat, especially when resting, is a sign of a heart attack. This symptom presents itself prior to the episode.

swellings

Suffering from heart failure can cause fluid to build up in the body. Swelling becomes evident in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen.

Pallor or sick appearance

Many people look pale or gray before they have a heart attack. As blood pressure can drop so much, the person may be visibly ill.