10 Heart Disease Symptoms That Are Ignored

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in humans worldwide. The condition is responsible for more deaths than any cancer or chronic illness.

Report from the World Health Organization shows that in 2008 approximately 17.3 million people died as a result of cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that this number will increase to 23 million by 2030.

Why does heart disease cause so many deaths? Heart problems are often the result of poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, environmental pollution or tobacco consumption, among other things.

However, one of the reasons why this disease causes so many deaths worldwide is because people often ignore the warning signs and symptoms and wait far too long before seeing an expert to avoid the most serious consequences.

Many of the symptoms associated with heart problems are not serious and can be easily confused with the symptoms of other diseases.

Many lives could be saved if people were able to recognize the symptoms of heart disease. So staying well informed is one of the steps to avoid serious consequences.

In this article, we’ll share ten possible warning signs of heart disease that you shouldn’t ignore.

10 Heart Disease Symptoms That Are Ignored

Dizziness and difficulty breathing

Dizziness and difficulty breathing are two symptoms that can indicate a heart attack. Symptoms of this nature can lead to unconsciousness and may indicate heart problems such as arrhythmia.

Fatigue

This symptom usually occurs mainly in women. There can be fatigue during a heart attack, as well as days, hours, and even weeks in advance. If you often experience fatigue, this may be a sign of a cardiac abnormality.

Of course, this symptom can also be a sign of an entirely different disease or health disorder. It is therefore best to consult your doctor to establish a correct diagnosis.

Nausea or lack of appetite

Many people experience nausea or vomiting during a heart attack. In addition, a symptom such as bloating when it is related to heart failure can hinder appetite.

chest pain

Chest pain is a classic symptom of a heart attack, but not in all cases, of course. Jean C. McSweeney, researcher at the University of Arkansas School of Medical Science and Disease , points out that breast pain is often the first symptom people look for, but that this symptom does not occur in all cases.

McSweeney makes it clear that chest pain from a heart attack feels like ‘an elephant is sitting on your chest ‘ , but it can also just be an unpleasant feeling of pressure or fullness.

Pain in different parts of the body

Chest pain is the most common form of heart attack pain. However, this pain can extend into the arms, elbows, spine, neck, jaw, or abdomen. In fact, in some cases there is no chest pain at all, but rather pain in other parts of the body.

Irregular heartbeat

It is normal for the heart rate to be slightly different every now and then. However, when this irregularity is accompanied by weakness, dizziness or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of a heart attack, heart failure or arrhythmias.

shortness of breath

If you get out of breath quickly without exerting much or even when you’re just resting, it could be a sign of lung conditions like asthma or chronic pulmonary obstruction. However, it can also indicate a heart attack or heart failure.

Difficulty breathing can be accompanied by chest pain during a heart attack, but this doesn’t always have to be the case.

To sweat

If you suddenly break out in sweats, cold sweats, especially when you’re just sitting on the couch, then this may be a sign of a heart attack. This symptom occurs just before a seizure.

inflammation

If you suffer from heart failure, it can cause fluid to build up in the body. This swelling can be noticeable in the feet, ankles, legs, and lower abdomen.

Pale or sick appearance

Many people have a pale or gray appearance just before a heart attack. If the blood pressure drops, someone gets a sick look.