8 Less Typical Signs of Heart Disease
Shortness of breath and chest pain are scary symptoms that usually indicate something is wrong with your heart. And rightly so. These symptoms are indeed common indicators of heart problems. But there are quite a few lesser-known and less obvious signs. Heart disease is frequently called the ‘silent killer’ for this reason.
Many symptoms of heart disease are frequently dismissed as they occur outside of the chest region. Read on to learn of eight sneaky signs you may have heart disease that you should never ignore. Especially if it’s more than a nagging issue that doesn’t resolve after a few days.
Unexplained Fatigue
Heart issues and fatigue go hand in hand. Feeling fatigued and not knowing why is one of the most common heart problem symptoms. The trouble is – fatigue is a symptom of nearly every illness so getting an accurate diagnosis as to why you’re so tired is vital.
If you feel groggy and have trouble waking up after a full night’s sleep, or your fatigue is more noticeable during everyday activities – these can be signs that something is not right with your heart. When there is a heart issue, it must work harder to pump blood, leading to frequent and high levels of physical exhaustion.
Bad Breath and Heart Problems
A case of bad breath generally leads one to think they should visit the dentist. You should do that. But also know that your bad breath may mean heart disease. Bacteria that accumulate from inflamed gums – not necessarily from poor oral hygiene – can enter the bloodstream and cause heart inflammation and subsequent cardiovascular issues.
Regular dental check-ups are a critical preventive tool for potential heart problems.
Leg and/or Hip Pain While Walking
Claudication is the medical term for leg pain while walking that usually completely goes away after resting for a few minutes. If you have this symptom, or pain that is located more in the hips when walking, it’s a serious issue whether the root cause is a heart problem or not.
When the heart is the cause of the issue, it happens because of reduced blood flow to the lower part of the body. If you’re wondering, “Does hip pain mean heart disease?” the answer is “It is possible.”
Trouble Breathing While Lying Down
Difficulty breathing is always concerning, but if it only happens when you lie down, that is a strong indicator of a heart problem. This is known as orthopnea and occurs because the heart is not pumping and circulating fluids efficiently so when lying flat, fluid accumulates in the lungs. While you are waiting to have this checked by a doctor, propping your head up with a pillow when lying down often helps with comfortable breathing.
Waking Up to Use the Bathroom
It’s quite normal to have to use the bathroom 1-2 times a night. But if nighttime urination is more frequent than that, it can indicate a problem with your heart. This condition is called nocturia and can be a symptom of heart failure.
Once again, a heart that is struggling to pump blood well is the culprit. Heart failure can cause fluid to accumulate during the day when it would normally be processed and recirculated. In this case, the fluid reabsorbs into the bloodstream when lying down at night. This leads to increased urine production and interrupted sleep.
Swollen Ankles
Unlike the symptoms listed above, swollen ankles may be a visible sign of heart disease. A poorly functioning heart can cause a backup of blood in the legs. This is because gravity acts as an assist to easily move the blood down to your feet and ankles, but your heart is not strong enough to pump it out, so it stays there. Swollen ankles can have many causes. But if the cause is not obvious, such as a traumatic injury, this warrants a prompt visit to the doctor to rule out heart-related causes.
Unexplained Feelings of Nausea
When you’re feeling nauseous and are unsure why, particularly if you also have sweating, indigestion, and/or shortness of breath, these can be early signs of a heart attack. Decreased blood flow to your digestive tract can cause uncomfortable symptoms that mimic gastrointestinal problems. Sudden or unexplained nausea warrants immediate medical attention.
Learn to recognize these inconspicuous heart problem symptoms so that you can catch them early. Don’t ignore these sneaky signs you may have heart disease that may at first seem like a minor annoyance. If they persist, get them checked. Early intervention may save your life. Or the life of someone you love.
