What warning signs indicate heart concerns?
Written by
Chen Jialiang
Reviewed by
Prof. Graham Pierce, Ph.D.Early recognition of warning signs of cardiac problems allows for early intervention and improved outcomes. In my experience as a cardiac nurse, these are six of the best warning signs to look out for: chest pain/discomfort, shortness of breath, swelling, unexpected fatigue, a skip in your heartbeat, and dizziness. Familiarity with these warning signs could save your life!
Activity-Related Symptoms
- Chest discomfort during physical exertion that resolves with rest
- Shortness of breath disproportionate to activity intensity
- Unusual arm or jaw pain without injury during movement
- Sudden nausea or cold sweats during routine activities
Resting Indicators
- Swelling in ankles or feet without injury explanation
- Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep and nutrition
- Pillow stacking needs for comfortable nighttime breathing
- Coughing spells that worsen when lying flat
Rhythm Disturbances
- Irregular heartbeat patterns lasting several minutes
- Dizziness without dehydration or position change causes
- Fluttering sensations in the chest during relaxation
- Pulse irregularities detectable at the wrist or neck
Chest discomfort can appear less than what many anticipate. It is pressure rather than pain. Symptoms may manifest in the jaw or between the shoulder blades. For example, women commonly experience nausea instead of typical chest pain. Do not ignore discomfort that develops with ordinary activities, such as walking.
Breathlessness can signify possible heart problems when not in line with exertion. For example, climbing stairs leaves you winded when compared to last month. Look for times when talking becomes difficult while moving. Breathlessness often comes before pain in cases of developing heart disease.
Swelling of extremities is indicative of heart failure when combined with other symptoms. Press the shin bone firmly for five seconds, and if it does not return to normal, you are retaining fluid. Weight is often gained in water, not fat.
Irregular heart rhythms need to be evaluated for persistence. Continue checking your pulse to detect skipped beats and any irregularities. Trace the incidents on your calendar if they were over five minutes. Smartwatch ECG features can provide useful preliminary data, but are not a replacement for a formal medical assessment.
Develop a symptom response plan. Maintain a log noting the date, duration, and triggers of any concerning episodes. Share that log with your providers. And I recommend knowing the location of the nearest cardiac center. Taking prompt action during the symptoms greatly increases the chance of a favorable outcome.
Read the full article: 10 Proven Ways to Improve Cardiovascular Health
