Signs of an ailing heart are often easy to blame on stress, aging, or lack of sleep. Unfortunately, ignoring them can delay diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of long-term damage.
One of our team's goals at Premier Cardiology Consultants in NYC is to help our patients understand the sometimes subtle symptoms of heart disease. This can allow you to take action before the problem worsens.
It’s not always possible to spot the signs without a medical evaluation. However, learning more about these messages sent by an unhealthy heart can help you take action early and protect your overall well-being.
Here are three surprising signs of heart trouble you shouldn’t ignore.
Feeling out of breath after intense exercise is normal. However, if you notice shortness of breath during routine activities, such as walking up a flight of stairs, doing light housework, or even talking, it may signal an underlying heart issue.
An unhealthy heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to build up in the lungs. This reduces oxygen exchange, leaving you feeling breathless.
Many people assume this symptom is due to being “out of shape” or getting older. However, persistent or worsening breathlessness deserves medical attention.
Shortness of breath can be an early sign of heart failure or other cardiovascular problems. Early evaluation can prevent progression and improve quality of life.
Swollen feet or ankles are often blamed on long hours of standing, salty foods, or hot weather. While these factors can contribute, persistent or unexplained swelling may be associated with poor heart function.
Depending on which part of your heart is affected, you may also notice unexplained swelling or bloating in the abdomen. As the fluid builds up, you may find it difficult to take a full breath, especially when lying flat on your back.
When the heart cannot pump effectively, blood may back up in the veins, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. This type of swelling, known as edema in the legs or ascites in the abdomen, is often more noticeable at the end of the day and may improve overnight, only to return.
Ongoing swelling can indicate that your heart is under strain. Left untreated, the condition may worsen and affect other organs such as your kidneys and liver.
Everyone feels tired occasionally, but constant fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can be a red flag. An unhealthy heart delivers less oxygen-rich blood to muscles and tissues, leading to ongoing exhaustion.
This is more than feeling tired after a full day. Instead, an early morning trip to the grocery store or showering and prepping for your daily routine can leave you feeling like you’ve run a marathon.
If simple tasks leave you exhausted or you notice a sudden drop in your stamina, your heart may be struggling to meet your body’s demands. This symptom is especially common in women and is often overlooked or misdiagnosed as stress or burnout.
Identifying the cause early allows for lifestyle changes and treatments that can significantly reduce risk.
Your heart rarely fails without warning. You could say it often whispers before it shouts. Shortness of breath, swelling in the lower body, and persistent fatigue may seem minor, but they can point to serious heart concerns.
Schedule an appointment for a heart checkup at Premier Cardiology Consultants today, especially if you notice new or worsening symptoms.
Listening to your body and acting early could save your heart and your life.
