Physical Health

6 warning signs that your heart is not working as it should

For evaluation with your health care provider. Early detection and management of heart disease is critical to maintaining optimal heart health. Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms associated with different types of heart disease:

Coronary heart disease:

Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or discomfort (angina)
shortness of breath
Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back
Numbness, weakness, or coldness in the legs or arms
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia):

Chest pain or discomfort
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness or semi-fainting
Fluttering sensation in the chest
vertigo
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
shortness of breath
Congenital heart defects:

In infants: cyanosis (pale gray or blue skin or lips), swelling of the legs or abdominal area, and shortness of breath during breastfeeding.
In later stages: shortness of breath and fatigue during exercise, swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
Cardiomyopathy:

Dizziness, vertigo, fainting
exhaustion
Shortness of breath during physical activities or lying down
Shortness of breath at night or upon waking
Heart arrhythmia
Heart valve disease:

Source
Loss of consciousness (fainting)
exhaustion
Arrhythmia
shortness of breath
Swelling of the feet or ankles
Endocarditis:

Dry or persistent cough
Fever
Changes in heart rhythm
shortness of breath
Skin rash or unusual spots
Swelling of the legs or abdominal area
Weakness or fatigue
When to seek emergency medical care:
If you experience:

Source
shortness of breath
fainting
Always call 911 (or your country’s emergency medical assistance number) if you suspect you are having a heart attack.

Doctor visit:
If you have concerns about your heart health or develop symptoms of heart disease, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Early intervention and risk-reduction strategies can contribute to better outcomes, especially if there is a family history of heart disease. Regular health examinations are also valuable for early detection.

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