Your heart functions as an engine room in a ship: One wrong issue and the ship is grounded. Could you tell if there is a problem with your heart? With the ever-growing number of people diagnosed with circulatory or heart disease, you need to be on the lookout to avoid emergencies. Going for an echocardiogram Philadelphia is not just useful when you are ailing; you can learn a lot about your heart’s health and measures to keep it in top shape.
Heart attack is on top of most people’s minds when thinking of cardiovascular health. Unlike what you might think, especially following content consumed like in movies, heart attacks are not always characterized by obvious signs. It doesn’t have to involve a significant chest clutch and falling to the ground. Some do not even happen in the heart area, making it trickier to know if your heart is in good health. Let us look at some uncommon signs that could indicate heart problems.
Pain when walking
Extreme pain as you walk that goes away when you rest is easy to discount, especially as you age. You might associate it with aging and lack of exercise. Nonetheless, it could also indicate a developing heart problem, PAD (peripheral arteries disease). PAD results from fatty plaque buildup in the leg arteries. This increases heart disease risk since the chances of blockage in one of your heart arteries rise.
Swollen feet/ankles
While various reasons could cause swelling, it should not be ignored, especially in the ankles and if it grows bigger. This could be caused by a heart valve not closing normally. It could also indicate heart failure, a chronic condition characterized by inefficient blood circulation.
Fatigue
You don’t just feel exhausted; you feel extremely tired, and it does not seem to go away. Feeling tired after a long day is normal, but listening to your body and knowing when the levels hit new highs is recommended. Extreme fatigue is caused by a strain in the heart, meaning oxygen is not efficiently delivered to your body.
Indigestion or stomach pain
If you experience a burning sensation or pain in the stomach or chest, it could signify a heart problem or attack. Considering their proximity, many people can’t easily distinguish between heart pain and indigestion-type/ burning pain.
Shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure, sweating, dizziness/lightheadedness, to mention a few, are among the common symptoms associated with heart attacks and diseases. Most people only consider such symptoms and chest-related concerns when thinking about their heart health. Nonetheless, those easily overlooked concerns, especially as they seem far from your heart, could be signs of a developing or existing heart problem.
Listening to your body can help you notice developing issues and take the right steps. For older adults (60+ years), overweight individuals, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, caring for your heart cannot be emphasized enough. Don’t let that concern about your heart health slide if you experience or suspect anything unusual. Go for a check-up at Corrielus Cardiology to live a life without worries.
