If you have a broken leg or a broken arm, chances are you know that you broke it! If you twisted your ankle or jammed your thumb, you can feel the pain and know generally what has happened. But, not all ailments are that easy to spot. For example, cardiovascular diseases are not always so simple to see or feel. A patient may live with an unhealthy heart for years and not necessarily realize it until it’s diagnosed, or sometimes, until it is too late. However, that does not have to be the case for every patient. If you know the signs of an unhealthy heart, you can see a doctor and be treated before the problem becomes too terrible. Here are some of the signs that your heart may be struggling, and it may be time to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist:
Signs Your Heart is Unhealthy
Chest Discomfort or Pain
A common, yet one of the most dangerous symptoms is chest pain or discomfort. If you are experiencing chest pain or heaviness with any other of these symptoms or that lasts longer than a few minutes, that should be an immediate sign to seek treatment at your local emergency room. Chest pain does not necessarily designate heart trouble, but it is better that you be safe rather than sorry, and be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
Shoulder Pain
Some patients with an unhealthy heart experience shoulder pain that is associated with their chest pain. This can also be a very troubling symptom that should prompt emergent care by a physician. Pain in the shoulder that radiates from the chest area or travels from the shoulder, down the arm should be taken very seriously, and is often one of the most overlooked symptoms of various heart issues.
Irregular Heartbeat
If your heart beats too fast, too slow, or skips beats every so often, you can sometimes feel that occurring when other times you cannot. If you are diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat or are experiencing a racing heart, you may benefit from scheduling an appointment with your cardiologist to make sure that your heart is healthy.
Puffy or Swollen Legs and Feet
Puffy or swollen legs and feet can be a sign of poor circulation which can be a sign of poor heart function. Your heart pumps blood and oxygen throughout your body. When that oxygen and blood is not reaching your extremities, they can begin to swell and/or retain water. If that is occurring often, it would be wise to speak with your doctor.
Short of Breath or Tiredness
Everyone may get out of breath every now and then, but if you are experiencing shortness of breath or excessive tiredness after normal activity or exercise, it may be time to see a doctor. If your heart is not pumping oxygen throughout your body efficiently, that may be causing your symptoms, so seeing a doctor sooner rather than later may be a good idea.
Dizziness or Light-Headedness
Dizziness, or vertigo, may be a sign that your heart is unhealthy. If your heart is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to your brain, you may experience dizziness or become light-headed more often. It may seem like a common problem, but if you are experiencing vertigo on a regular basis and/or with other heart-related symptoms, you may want to reach out to a heart doctor near you.
Sleeping Problems
If you snore at night or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or insomnia, you may have underlying heart issues. Problems with sleeping and heart issues go hand in hand, as both make the other worse over time. For example, if you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing for various amounts of time throughout the night. Because this affects how much oxygen gets through your body at night, it may worsen your heart health. Likewise, insomnia is linked with high blood pressure and heart disease, but it can also damage your heart over time. If you are concerned about how your sleeping issues can or will affect your heart health, schedule an appointment with your cardiologist today.
Keeping your heart healthy is one key to a long and healthy life! If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms and/or any other heart-related symptoms, contact the specialists at CT Cardio. Their well-trained doctors are ready to get to the bottom of your symptoms and help you on your way to improved heart health!
Recent Comments