The World Health Organisation (WHO) stats show that India accounts for at least one-fifth of the 17.9 million cardiovascular disease-related deaths globally, particularly in the younger age group. This soaring number is enough proof that the importance of heart health is a far less understood topic than we think. Keeping this in mind, it’s all the more important to identify the early symptoms of an unhealthy heart.
Truth be told, heart health can be managed very easily, with simple lifestyle changes. More importantly, identifying the indicators of a poorly functioning heart not only drops the risk considerably of sudden cardiac incidents, but also adds years to your life.
There are many warning signs that we often pass off as simple inconveniences or non-serious issues. Learn to spot them and take action.
7 unhealthy heart symptoms that you should look out for
From common relatable symptoms such as chest discomfort to rarely known ones like exhaustion, here are 7 unhealthy heart symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Chest discomfort
Believed to be one of the most common signifiers of an unhealthy heart, chest discomfort is also known as angina. Different people describe the sensation differently. If you feel any sort of pressure, pain, pinching, or burning in the chest, seek immediate help. These symptoms can occur due to many other reasons other than a heart disease, but proactive care pays in the long run.
2. Irregular heartbeat
Scientifically, an irregular heartbeat is known as arrhythmia. Frequently experiencing a fast or uneven heartbeat does not qualify as normal. It is a clear sign that there is a problem with your heart rate or heart rhythm. Symptoms of an irregular heartbeat could include dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath or you might feel like your heart is thumping, racing, or fluttering.
3. Shortness of breath
When the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should, fluid leaks into the lungs and causes shortness of breath. Breathlessness, commonly felt as if you’re struggling to take breaths, or taking large sighs, even when you are not doing any major physical activity or are just lying down can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease.
4. Left shoulder pain
One of the most prominent symptoms of an unhealthy heart has to be left shoulder pain. Sudden or unusual pain in the shoulder pain is one of the most classic signs of an unhealthy heart. It usually starts from the chest and moves upwards and does not feel like a normal arm pain. The American Heart Association advises that one should call for immediate medical assistance as this could even be an indication of a heart attack.
5. A persistent cough
A dry cough or wheeze that doesn’t go away can be another early sign of heart disease. You may also cough a white or pink mucus. This can happen when the heart isn’t able to keep up with the body’s demands, causing blood to leak into the lungs. You might mistake it for a flu symptom, but if you’re at risk, pay attention to the possibility.
6. Exhaustion
Most of the time, being tired simply means that you need more rest. But if you feel exhausted after doing something you had no problem doing in the past — like climbing a flight of stairs — might be a sign of heart disease. Extreme exhaustion or weakness, sometimes for days on end, is a telltale sign of an impending heart problem as well.
7. Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
Do you often notice swelling (medically known as edema) in your lower leg region? It happens when your heart is not functioning properly. The blood flow slows down, backing up in the veins in your legs, causing fluid to build up in your tissues.
In conclusion
A heart-healthy living involves being thoughtful of the risks, swearing by healthy choices, taking steps to diminish your possibilities of getting a heart disease and you can always bank on a supplement like TrueBasics Heart Omega-3. Heart Omega-3 contains 4 powerful ingredients – Omega-3, Phospholipids, Astaxanthin & Choline that together support a healthy heart. It also contains the purest form of Krill Oil sourced from Antarctica, clinically tested and proven to lower cholesterol levels. It significantly helps reduce triglycerides and improve ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL).
