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Some heart symptoms are well known to the general public, but others less so. A British cardiologist looks back at the ten signs that should never be ignored, which could potentially come from a heart problem. Here are which ones.
Palpitations, shortness of breath, intense fatigue… While some symptoms are well known as being linked to the heart, others are much less so. To better inform the general public, a British cardiologist, Dr. Ameet Bakhai, reminds us of the importance of warning signs.Millions of people know that heart health is vitally important, but ignore the warning signs,” he explains.“Heart problems can often get progressively worse, until you eventually develop a more complicated problem – one that could have been avoided if we had heeded these signs.”. Here are the ones you should never ignore.
Chest pain
This is probably one of the most well-known symptoms of heart disease. In fact, chest pain is common in this context. But be careful, because the pain can take different forms and be felt as a weight on the chest, a tightness or even a burning sensation.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is normal after intense exercise. However, if you have difficulty catching your breath after light exercise or at rest, you should consult a doctor quickly, as this may be a sign of heart failure or coronary artery disease.
Intense fatigue
Very strong and unexplained fatigue can also hide a heart condition. This shows that the heart is not able to do its pumping job.
Dizziness or fainting
If you experience dizziness frequently or, more seriously, have already had a fainting spell, it is imperative to consult a doctor to determine its origin. This could be related to a cardiac arrhythmia or a valve problem in your heart.
Palpitations
If you have ever had palpitations, you know how unpleasant that feeling of “feeling your heart beating in your chest”, quickly and sometimes irregularly. This can be a sign of atrial fibrillation. It is important to talk to your doctor if it persists over time.
Swelling of the legs, feet or ankles
The lower limbs may swell occasionally, due to heat or prolonged standing. But be careful if this happens often because lower limb edema may indicate heart failure.
Pain in the jaw or neck
Pain in the jaw, neck, or left arm may be a sign of angina or a myocardial infarction. If you experience pain of this nature, do not wait and call 15.
Excessive sweating
If you are not used to sweating and it happens suddenly, it can also be a sign of a heart problem. If the sweating is also associated with chest pain as mentioned in the previous point, do not wait another second and alert the emergency services as well.
Sleep disturbances
Some heart conditions are sometimes linked to sleep disorders. Sleep apnea, for example, increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart failure. If you regularly feel tired when you wake up, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Indigestion or nausea
In women, the signs of a heart attack are sometimes different from those of the rest of the population. Also, indigestion, nausea or vomiting can sometimes mask the onset of a myocardial infarction. If these symptoms occur unexpectedly and persist, it is important to alert emergency services.