You should know that not all health problems come with warning signs. You may not see an alarming clutch followed by a fall to the floor like you mostly see in the movies. Some heart symptoms happen in the chest, and it’s difficult to tell what’s happening. But you should know one thing: cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, claim approximately 17.9 million lives worldwide, as per WHO. So, if you are also someone dealing with cardiovascular issues, you are in the right place to seek knowledge.
Based on the insights from Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart doctor in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, here we will discuss what heart failure is and what signs of it you shouldn’t ignore!
What Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a condition where your heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can result from various underlying issues such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, etc.
Signs of Heart Failure That You Need To Watch Out For
- Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain
Some people may experience nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain or in some cases, they may even vomit. As per a recent study, women are more likely to have these symptoms than men. However, you may also have an upset stomach for various reasons unrelated to your heart. It can be related to something you ate, but you should not be deluded that it can not affect your heart health.
- Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is the most common sign of heart danger. So, if you have a blocked artery or are experiencing a heart attack, you may feel pain, tightness and pressure in your chest. This feeling usually lasts longer than a few minutes. The chances of it happening when you are on rest or doing something physical. If you feel any chest discomfort, consult your doctor.
- Pain Spreading To The Arm
Another symptom of a heart attack is the pain that radiates down the left side of the body. When the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood, it leads to chest pain or discomfort that may spread to the arm, neck, jaw or back. These symptoms usually occur because the heart and the nerves in these areas share the same pain pathways, so pain signals from the heart can be referred to in these regions. However, it's crucial to consult a cardiologist for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if experiencing chest pain or discomfort.
- Feel Dizzy or Lightheaded
A lot of changes in your lifestyle can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, like you are not eating enough or drinking enough or standing up too fast. Regardless, if you feel unsteady and have chest discomfort and shortness of breath, it is best to get medical help immediately.
- Jaw or Throat Pain
Throat or jaw pain may not be heart-related as in this tissue, a cold or muscle problem usually causes them. However, if you are feeling pain or pressure in the centre of your chest that spreads up to your jaw or throat, it could be a sign of a heart attack that you need to get alert for.
- Gets Exhausted Easily
Are you unexpectedly fatigued or winded after doing something you had no problem doing, like carrying groceries from the car or climbing the stairs? In that case, you should immediately make an appointment with your doctor. Feeling extremely exhausted or unexplained weakness, sometimes for days at a time, can be a symptom of heart disease, especially for women.
- Snoring
You should know it is normal to snore a little while you sleep. However, unusually loud snoring that sounds more like gasping or choking can indicate sleep apnea. It is when you stop breathing several times in the night while still sleeping. This condition can put extra stress on your heart and increase the risk of risk of heart failure.
- Irregular Heartbeat
It may be normal for your heart to race when you are too excited or nervous or skip a beat occasionally. But if you are experiencing something beyond that, like palpations or an irregular heartbeat that persists longer, or if you have any chest pain, pressure, dizziness or shortness of breath, it is best to talk to a cardiologist at the earliest.
- Your Legs, Ankles, And Feet Are Swollen
Having swollen legs, ankles, and feet could indicate that your heart doesn't pump blood as effectively as it should. When your heart fails to pump fast enough, blood backs up in the veins and causes bloating. Moreover, heart failure can also make it exceptionally harder for your kidneys to get rid of extra water and sodium from the body, which leads to bloating.
- Sweating
Sweating excessively, particularly during rest or exertion, can be a sign of heart failure. It occurs because the body attempts to regulate temperature in response to decreased cardiac output and impaired circulation. If you are experiencing persistent sweating along with other symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, you should seek medical consultation immediately.
Final Words
The heart is a healthy part of your body, and keeping it healthy is necessary. So make sure you follow a healthy routine by quitting smoking, switching to more nutritious alternatives, adding green and fresh vegetables to your diet, exercising daily, and consulting a cardiologist at the right time.
You can consult Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, the best hospital for heart surgery in Delhi. With more than three decades of experience, he is an expert when it comes to your heart health. So consult him today, and take care of your heart by visiting Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi today!
