The 7 Signs That Will Help You Detect Heart Problems

4^min

If you were to see a man grabbing his chest and falling to the floor unconscious, you would probably think he is having a heart attack.

However, signs of a heart attack, are not always that obvious.

The heart is the strongest muscle in our body, and when it fails to work properly, it can trigger some symptoms related to other body parts.

Here are 7 signs you should look out for:

1. Sexual dysfunction

Those few times it happened were maybe caused by that last few drinks you had. However, you should check it with the cardiologist, because patients with erectile dysfunctions have bigger chances to suffer from an unhealthy heart.

In case of heart disease, arteries become narrower and they restrict blood flow to the penis.

Women with restricted blood flow to the genital zone have trouble reaching orgasm, or the orgasm become less satisfying.

2. Problems with snoring

Restricted air flow in your chest during night sleep can be a sign that your heart is in danger. People who have sleep apnea, the state in which breathing even stops for a few short moments, have three times bigger chances of having a heart attack in the next five years.

3. Problems with your gums

Inflamed, swollen or bleeding gums are a sign you should visit your dentist. But, it may also be an early sign of an unhealthy heart.

Some studies show a connection between the bacteria that is involved in gum inflammations and buildups of plaque in coronary arteries.

This connection may be the result of body’s reaction to the underestimated inflammation.

4. Swollen legs

Ankles and wrists on your feet are too puffy? Your shoes are tight and there are deep pressure marks on your skin after you take your socks off? You might have a fluid retention problem. And fluid retention problems can be an early sign of heart disease.

This condition is also named edema and it usually starts in ankles, feet, fingers, hands and legs.

5. Irregular heartbeat

Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia feels like your heart is beating too fast, pounding too hard or even skipping some beats. This may be an early sign of a coronary artery disease, and it can eventually lead to stroke or heart attack.

6. Pain in the chest or shoulder

Angina pectoris is the most common symptom of an unhealthy heart. This type of chest pain is not the same as the sharp pain of a heart attack. Angina feels more like weight or deep pain in the chest, and it gets worse with each breath.

This pain occurs because of the plaque that builds up in the coronary arteries. The heart is left without enough blood due to the plaque, and therefore the heart is “under pressure”. Stress and exercise can worsen this condition.

7. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can indicate a couple of risky conditions. It can be an early sign of an unhealthy heart or unhealthy lungs. If taking a deep breath seems like an impossible mission, this means you may have a problem with your heart.

This happens because the heart is weakened and it is not pumping enough oxygen in your blood.

It is worth noting that nausea, lack of appetite, weakness, sweating etc. are also some of the symptoms you may experience if you are suffering from an unhealthy heart.

Ticked several symptoms from the aforementioned list? Please check with your doctor the soonest possible. Early detection is key to saving your life!