The textbook symptoms of heart attack – chest pain radiating to the neck, jaw or arms, a racing heart or sudden numbness – are clear signs that it’s time to get medical attention. While other symptoms of heart disease are more subtle, they are no less alarming.
“Lesser-known signs of heart disease also require immediate attention. Call your doctor if you suspect you have symptoms of heart disease,” said Kevin Kheder, MD, FACC, FSCAI, interventional and structural cardiologist at the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute at Hoag. “Waiting increases the likelihood of a serious cardiac event. It’s not worth the risk.”
Dr. Kheder cautioned that men should be on the lookout for of the less-known signs and symptoms of heart disease, including:
Fatigue or weakness
Your energy levels are directly related to blood flow and oxygen levels. If you are getting enough rest, chronic exhaustion could be a sign that your heart is not doing its job efficiently.
“If you notice that you are feeling more tired, winded or confused after normal activity, call your primary care physician,” Dr. Kheder said. “It is possible that oxygen isn’t reaching your muscles and brain as it normally does, which would lead to weakness and fatigue.”
Swollen feet
Edema is the buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues, particularly in the legs and feet. It is often associated with heart problems, so if your shoes start fitting a bit more snugly, or if you notice swelling in your legs, call your doctor.
“Swelling in the legs and feet can be a sign of cardiovascular issues,” Dr. Keheder said. “It might not seem like much, but small symptoms like this can point to bigger issues.”
Dizziness
If small activities, like standing from a seated position or going up a set of stairs, causes you to experience light-headedness or shortness of breath, tell your doctor.
“Dizziness and being out of breath are both examples of your body telling you that you need more oxygen,” Dr. Kheder said. “It is important to understand the underlying cause of that lack of oxygen.”
Bleeding gums
You might not be thinking about your heart while you’re brushing your teeth, but studies have found a link between gum disease and heart health.
“The same bacteria found in inflamed or infected gums can also be found in the heart,” Dr. Kheder said. “If you experience regular bleeding or swollen, painful gums, it’s important to call both your dentist and your cardiologist.”
Unexplained Sweating
Because heart failure makes pumping blood more difficult, your heart works harder to compensate. This struggle generates heat and causes the body to sweat – just as though you were working out.
“If you’re experiencing serious episodes of sweating when you shouldn’t be, be seen by your doctor,” Dr. Kheder said. “This is another example of a symptom that might not seem alarming on its own, but understanding the cause can be critical to your health.”
Not every symptom of cardiovascular disease is made-for-TV dramatic. Some, like bleeding gums or swollen feet, are easy to ignore. Dr. Kheder cautions men to pay attention to those little signs. They may be subtle, but they could be trying to tell you something important.
Learn more about the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute at Hoag.
