What Are The Symptoms Of Poor Heart Health?
Heart health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, many people suffer from poor heart health without even realizing it. Knowing the symptoms of poor heart health can help us take the necessary steps to improve our hearts’ condition and reduce the risk of future health issues. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common symptoms of poor heart health as well as what you can do to protect your heart.
You Feel Palpitations
Having palpitations is one of the most common symptoms of poor heart health. Palpitations are a feeling that your heart is racing or beating irregularly, often with a sensation of feeling like it has skipped a beat. In some cases, you may also feel like your heart is pounding or fluttering.
In some cases, palpitations may be caused by a harmless condition such as intense exercise or stress. However, if palpitations continue and are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying heart condition causing them.
You Feel Dizzy or Lightheaded
One of the most noticeable symptoms of poor heart health is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be caused by low blood pressure which can be a sign of an underlying heart issue. When the heart is not functioning properly, it can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen and blood that is supplied throughout your body, leading to feelings of dizziness. Additionally the body may be unable to pump the necessary amount of blood to vital organs, causing a decrease in the oxygen and nutrients in the body. This can cause symptoms such as lightheadedness, fainting and even a loss of consciousness.
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of poor heart health in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you notice any changes to your heart’s functioning, it is important to talk to your doctor about possible underlying issues and take the necessary steps to treat any issues that may be present.
You Get Exhausted Easily
Feeling easily exhausted, even after light physical activity – This can be a sign of underlying heart issues as the heart is not able to pump oxygen and nutrients to the body efficiently. Those suffering from poor heart health often feel short of breath and get tired quickly after a short amount of physical activity.
The exhaustion people feel when suffering from poor heart health usually stems from the heart’s inability to pump enough oxygen to the body due to heart disease. People may fatigue easily even when engaging in simple activities such as taking a walk or doing the dishes. The exhaustion may be accompanied by chest pains, lightheadedness or numbness in the extremities.
If you are experiencing exhaustion or chest pains after light physical activity, it is important to go to your doctor for a checkup. This is especially important if you have a history of heart disease in your family or you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
Chest Discomfort
People with poor heart health might experience chest pressure or pain, tightness in the chest or burning or aching sensations near the heart. These chest symptoms can range in intensity from mild to severe and they can be fleeting or persistent.
In some cases, chest discomfort associated with poor heart health may feel like pressure or squeezing. This pressure can be accompanied by pain that may last for minutes or hours. Other common feelings of discomfort include tightness, burning or aching in the chest area. It is important to pay attention to any chest pain or discomfort that is new, lasts longer than a few minutes or is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or dizziness.
Poor heart health can also be associated with more subtle chest symptoms like a fullness or heaviness in the chest. Additionally, people may experience breathing difficulties or feelings of breathlessness, especially during physical activities like exercise. These chest symptoms may indicate that someone has a more serious underlying heart condition.
Your Legs, Feet and Ankles Are Swollen
When the heart is not able to pump blood efficiently, fluids back up, causing swelling in the lower extremities. This type of swelling is known as edema and could be a sign of several other conditions but is especially indicative of poor heart health. As the heart becomes increasingly weak, edema can become more severe.
In addition to swelling the skin in the legs, feet and ankles may start to feel tight and stretched when standing or sitting for long periods of time. You may also notice that your weight fluctuates more as the fluid retention is most noticeable upon waking and decreases as the day progresses. Symptoms can also include darkening of the skin and a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities.
What to do if you have one or more of these symptoms?
Poor heart health is a serious issue and it is important to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with poor heart health, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your heart health is not in jeopardy.
By following these steps, you can help to ensure that you remain in good heart health. If you have any concerns or questions, make sure to speak with your doctor.
Conclusion
Poor heart health can have a significant impact on the way we live our lives. Symptoms of poor heart health, often overlooked can range from palpitations and lightheadedness to swelling of the legs, feet and ankles. It is important to recognize these signs in order to take action and reduce risk of further developing poor heart health. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and quitting smoking are all important steps to reduce the risk of poor heart health. Taking action now is important in order to maintain a healthy heart and lifestyle in the future.
General Health & Lifestyle Tips
Early Alzheimer’s Looks Nothing Like What You Think
General Health & Lifestyle Tips
Elder Fraud Alert: How Scammers Are Weaponizing Health and Trust
General Health & Lifestyle Tips
Sunscreen Now, Skin Cancer Later: The Long-Term Risk Most Canadians Ignore
About the author
Dr Adil Maqbool
Dr. Adil is an accomplished medical writer, researcher, and doctor. He has published numerous papers in renowned medical journals and is recognized as an expert in the field. He is highly sought after for his medical writing, research, and patient care expertise. He takes great pride in his work and strives to stay up-to-date with the latest medical developments.
Certification
Registered Practitioner
Certified Doctor
Certified Medical Writer
Certified Peer-Reviewer
Search thousands of healthcare providers across Canada. Find walk-in clinics, specialists, and book appointments instantly.