Early Warnings of Heart Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore

When we think of heart attacks, we often picture dramatic scenes from movies—someone clutching their chest and collapsing. But in reality, heart disease isn’t always that obvious. In fact, many people don’t realize they have it until something serious happens. That’s why knowing the early warning signs is so important.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a broad term that covers various conditions affecting the heart and circulation. The most common type is coronary artery disease (CAD), which happens when plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. This can lead to heart attacks and other complications.

Unfortunately, heart disease often goes undiagnosed until a major event like a heart attack, heart failure, or an irregular heartbeat occurs. But the good news? Your body gives you warning signs—if you know what to look for.

Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

For a long time, heart disease symptoms were primarily based on men’s experiences. But research shows that men and women often experience heart issues differently. Plus, symptoms can change as you age. Here are some key warning signs:

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort: This is the classic symptom. It might feel like pressure, squeezing, or even a burning sensation in the center of your chest. It can come and go or last several minutes. Some people describe it as feeling like an elephant is sitting on their chest.
2. Pain in Arms or Shoulders:Heart pain isn’t always limited to the chest. Sometimes, discomfort spreads to the arms or shoulders—usually the left side, but sometimes both.
3. Dizziness or Lightheadedness:If you feel faint or lightheaded, don’t just brush it off as standing up too fast. It could be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood properly, which can lead to a heart attack.
4. Nausea or Vomiting: Some people, especially women, experience nausea or even indigestion-like symptoms before a heart attack. If you feel sick for no apparent reason, take note.
5. Jaw, Neck, or Back Pain: If you haven’t injured yourself but suddenly feel pain in your jaw, neck, or back, it could be your heart sending out distress signals. This is another symptom more commonly seen in women.
6. Shortness of Breath:Struggling to catch your breath, even when you're not doing anything strenuous? That’s a red flag. If it happens while you’re lying down, it could be a sign of heart failure.
7. Extreme Fatigue: We all get tired, but this is different. If you’re suddenly too exhausted to complete simple tasks—like walking up the stairs or carrying groceries—it could be because your heart is working overtime to pump blood.
8. Irregular Heartbeat: A heart that’s beating too fast, too slow, or inconsistently could be struggling to maintain proper circulation. Women, in particular, often experience irregular heart rhythms alongside other symptoms.
9. Excessive Sweating:Sweating while sitting still or waking up drenched at night isn’t normal. While night sweats can sometimes be mistaken for menopause symptoms, they can also be a warning sign of heart disease.

Listen to Your Body

Your heart works hard every day, and when something is off, it often tries to let you know. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms—especially more than one—don’t ignore them. See a doctor and get checked out. Catching heart disease early can make all the difference in protecting your health. If you need heart treatment in Seawoods, Dr. Kalkekar’s Cura Clinic is here to act fast and smartly to care for you and your heart.