Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, and the situation in India is equally concerning. According to the WHO, in 2016, cardiovascular diseases accounted for 28% of all deaths in India. Given the rising prevalence of heart-related conditions, maintaining good cardiovascular health is more crucial than ever. Recognising the early signs of heart problems can greatly improve your chances of receiving timely treatment and preventing severe complications. Early detection and preventive care can dramatically improve your quality of life and longevity.
In this blog, we will discuss the 7 key signs that indicate you might need to consult with cardiac doctors nearby to ensure the best care for your heart.
Persistent Chest Pain
Chest pain is one of the most common signs that something might be wrong with your heart. There are different types of chest pain to be aware of, including angina (chest discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart) and the more severe chest pain associated with heart attacks. This pain may feel like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. Some people also report a sensation of fullness or burning. The most differentiating point is it increases in intensity or severity on walking or exertion and decreases or gets relieved or better on rest. It’s important to note that not all chest pain is a sign of heart disease, but persistent discomfort of the above-mentioned chest pain characteristics should be taken seriously and reported urgently to emergency.
If the pain lasts more than a few minutes, spreads to your arms, neck, or jaw, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a heart attack.
Difficulty Breathing
Experiencing shortness of breath, especially during everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or lying down, is another warning sign of heart trouble. You may feel like you can’t catch your breath, even during minimal exertion. Shortness of breath can mean heart failure or blockages in your heart arteries. When the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, it can lead to a scarcity of oxygen in the body’s tissues, resulting in difficulty breathing. Suppose you find yourself frequently short of breath, especially when it worsens during light activities. In that case, you must consult a cardiac doctor to evaluate your heart health and receive timely treatment.
Swelling in Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet—also known as oedema—can indicate poor heart function. This happens when the heart can’t pump blood effectively, causing fluid build-up in the lower extremities. Along with swelling, you may notice rapid weight gain, difficulty breathing, or a bloated abdomen. These symptoms could indicate a serious heart condition. Oedema is often a sign of heart failure, but kidney and liver problems can also cause it. A cardiac doctor can help determine the root cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Fatigue or Dizziness
Feeling unusually tired or light-headed, even after minimal activity, could be more than just a lack of sleep or rest. Constant fatigue and dizziness may be signs of a heart problem. Fatigue and dizziness are common heart failure symptoms and can indicate that your heart can’t pump adequate blood to fulfil the body’s needs. This can lead to a lesser supply of oxygen to the brain, making you feel dizzy or faint.
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmias)
An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia can come in several forms, including tachycardia (a racing heart), bradycardia (a slow heart rate), and atrial fibrillation (an irregular rhythm). Arrhythmias often feel like fluttering, pounding, or a racing heart. You might also experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath when the heart’s rhythm is off. Fainting which is called syncope in medical terminology is mostly a vascular disorder and many times due to arrhythmia. These fainted patients may be getting brain scan multiple times with no results. If you experience frequent episodes of an irregular heartbeat, it’s important to consult a cardiac doctor. Arrhythmias can raise the risk of stroke or heart failure if left untreated, making it vital to address the problem early.
Difficulty in Breathing When Lying Down
If you struggle to breathe when lying flat or need to prop yourself up with pillows to breathe easier, it may indicate heart issues. This condition is known as orthopnea. This can be a key symptom of heart failure, where fluid can build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It often worsens at night when lying flat.
Persistent Cough or Wheezing
A persistent cough, especially one that doesn’t respond to usual treatments, could be linked to heart problems. In rare cases, individuals may cough up blood. This could indicate heart failure or pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs). Chronic coughing can indicate heart failure or fluid accumulation in the lungs. If you experience a persistent cough, especially when it worsens at night, seek help from a cardiac doctor.
Lifestyle Changes for a Healthy Heart
Making healthy lifestyle changes helps reduce the risk of heart disease. These include:
- Healthy diet: Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your daily diet can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Regular exercise: Target for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days.
- Weight management: If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help improve your heart health.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce your risk.
- Stress management: Chronic stress leads to heart disease. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
The Takeaways
Recognising the early warning signs of heart problems is important for maintaining your health and preventing severe complications. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, and persistent coughs should never be ignored. These signs may point to underlying heart conditions such as cardiovascular disease or heart failure. Regular check-ups with a heart specialist will help you manage your heart health and lower the risk of serious heart conditions.
Don’t Let Heart Disease Affect Your Life: Take Action With Dr Ashutosh Kumar
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about your heart health, now is the time to consult an expert. Dr Ashutosh Kumar, a highly experienced and compassionate cardiac doctor, is here to guide you through diagnosis and treatment. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Book an appointment with him today for world-class cardiac care.
