Many people think heart disease only causes chest pain and a rapid heartbeat. In reality, many dangerous signs are not in the chest and are easily overlooked.
Recognizing these signs could save your heart. Below, Dr. Sagar Shah, a cardiologist at Apollo Hospital (India), shares the most important signs that shouldn't be ignored. Besides common symptoms, some signs don't occur in the chest but warn that the heart is in danger, according to the Times of India.
Discomfort or fatigue when exerting oneself
Feeling exhausted after performing everyday activities that used to be easy, like carrying a bag or climbing stairs, could indicate a problem with your heart. When the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, it prioritizes vital organs, leaving muscles fatigued.
Feeling exhausted after performing daily activities that used to be easy could indicate a problem with your heart. Photo: AI
Pain radiating down the arm
In many cases, heart pain often radiates to the left side of the body and down the left arm and hand. This is a case of angina – a typical "warning" symptom of a cardiovascular event.
Jaw pain or sore throat
Normally, Jaw pain or sore throat can be caused by muscle or sinus problems. However, if chest pain or tightness radiates to the throat or jaw, it could be a sign of a heart attack, according to the Times of India.
Shortness of breath
Do you feel suffocated or have difficulty breathing when lying down or going uphill? This could be your heart signaling that it's under immense pressure, even during light exertion, requiring urgent attention and potentially a warning sign of a serious incident.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
Swelling occurs when the heart cannot pump or relax fully, so blood from the lower extremities cannot return to the heart effectively. Blood accumulates in the legs, causing swelling. If shoes suddenly feel tight or there is a hollow near the ankle when pressed, the heart needs extra support.
Dizziness or lightheadedness
This feeling can be caused by many things (such as dehydration), but if it's accompanied by chest discomfort or shortness of breath, it means your blood pressure has dropped because your heart isn't pumping blood properly.
Unexplained cold sweats
Sudden cold sweats while sitting still are a common sign of a heart problem. If you suddenly experience excessive sweating for no apparent reason along with any other symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
If you experience the symptoms mentioned above, you should see a doctor immediately and get a health checkup; this can prevent a serious incident, especially if you have risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and a family history.