{"id":8398,"date":"2020-02-03T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2020-02-03T14:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=8398"},"modified":"2025-01-29T10:30:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T15:30:41","slug":"signs-of-heart-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/signs-of-heart-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"15 signs of heart problems worth worrying about"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone knows that crushing chest pain is often a sign of a heart attack. But there are some types of cardiovascular disease whose symptoms are far more subtle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take this patient who went to their healthcare provider about shoulder aches and pain. Her healthcare provider told her to lighten her load and carry her purse on the other side. A few days later, the pain had not subsided. The woman went to see Martha Gulati, MD, division chief of cardiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix. Sure enough, Dr. Gulati found blockages in her arteries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because signs of a heart condition aren\u2019t always obvious, it\u2019s important to keep an eye out for more than just the \u201cclassic\u201d symptoms. Here\u2019s how to tell if you\u2019re just out of shape or if you\u2019re experiencing symptoms of heart problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-causes-heart-disease\"><b>What causes heart disease?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/heartdiseases.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or cardiovascular disease, can be used to describe a variety of heart and blood vessel problems. Sometimes, a person is born with cardiovascular disease\u2013this is called congenital heart disease. Other times, heart disease develops over the course of your life due to your lifestyle, genetics, infections or diseases, and medications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"most-common-types-of-heart-disease\"><b>Most common types of heart disease<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term that encompasses several types of heart issues:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Coronary artery disease: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease. It results when there\u2019s a buildup of LDL (bad cholesterol) in your arteries. If unmanaged, this can lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or even cardiac arrest and death.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Congestive heart failure: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This happens when you have a dysfunctional heart muscle, which is either too weak to pump out blood effectively or too stiff to fill with blood properly. About <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/congestive-heart-failure-prevention-treatment-and-research\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 million people <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">struggle with congestive heart failure in the U.S., and more than half die within five years of being diagnosed.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Valvular heart disease: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When one of the four heart valves doesn\u2019t work properly, either because of an illness, a birth defect, or damage to the heart over time, you will experience valvular heart disease. It is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/heart-valve-problems-and-disease\/heart-valve-disease-risks-signs-and-symptoms\/risks-for-heart-valve-problems\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common in older people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and less common than other heart diseases. Some people may go their entire lives without knowing they have a valve problem.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Atherosclerosis: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is when plaque builds up on the walls of your arteries. Atherosclerosis affects about 3 million people annually. It often has no symptoms and may never cause an issue, but if it occurs within the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle with blood, the atherosclerosis is termed coronary artery disease and can cause heart attacks. If it occurs within arteries leading to the brain, atherosclerosis can lead to a stroke..<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Arrhythmia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These are conditions in which the heart beats too fast, too slow, irregularly, or skips beats. The category includes some of the most common heart conditions. In the setting of the arrhythmia atrial fibrillation, older adults with other risk factors may want to take a blood thinner to ward off strokes. Other arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, can result in cardiac arrest.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Cardiomyopathy:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/heart-disease\/about\/cardiomyopathy.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiomyopathy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to a collection of diseases of the heart muscle that cause difficulty pumping blood and may potentially lead to congestive heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy is when the pumping chambers, or ventricles, of the heart become enlarged. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is when the heart muscle becomes thickened. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy relates to issues with the heart\u2019s rhythm. Restrictive cardiomyopathy means the heart is stiff and\/or scarred. Often, cardiomyopathy goes undiagnosed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Heart infections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/22054-heart-infection\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infection or inflammation<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of the heart. When the infection occurs in the lining of the heart valves, it is called endocarditis. Inflammation that occurs in the heart muscle itself is referred to as myocarditis, and inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart is called pericarditis.\u00a0 Although rare in most people, infections like endocarditis are more common in individuals who have had heart surgery, are over the age of 65, or have used injected street drugs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"risk-factors-for-heart-disease\"><b>Risk factors for heart disease<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death. The following risk factors increase your chances of developing heart issues:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>High blood pressure: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC),\u00a0 high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease. That\u2019s because it causes damage to the arterial linings, which increases the likelihood of plaque buildup that can narrow the arteries traveling to the heart and brain. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/blood-pressure-treatment-and-medications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of the most common medical conditions in the world. It can be controlled with medications and should be\u2014unchecked blood pressure problems can cause heart attacks from coronary artery disease and cause strokes from atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries. It\u2019s also important to watch your sodium intake, as consuming too much contributes to high blood pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>High LDL cholesterol<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Another leading cause of heart disease, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) can increase your risk of heart disease. When cholesterol builds up inside your arteries, blood flow to your heart and other important organs is compromised. If you have high cholesterol, manage it with medication, or make lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet and getting more exercise to lower it naturally\u2013under your healthcare provider\u2019s guidance, of course.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diabetes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you have diabetes, you are<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/diabetes\/diabetes-and-heart-disease\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> two to four<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> times as likely to develop heart disease. Not only are people who have diabetes more likely to have other risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12706936\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prolonged levels of high blood sugar cause damage to blood vessels in the heart<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> According to the FDA, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/tobacco-products\/public-health-education\/health-effects-tobacco-use\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">smoking causes 1 out of 4 deaths<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from heart disease\u2014it causes long-term damage to your heart and blood vessels. If you aren\u2019t a smoker, but you\u2019re exposed to secondhand smoke, you&#8217;re still at risk. It is estimated that secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/about\/cigarettes-and-cardiovascular-disease.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25 to 30%.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Unhealthy lifestyle: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re overweight or obese, you\u2019re at risk of heart disease and many of its other risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The same goes for a sedentary lifestyle, which can increase your risk of obesity, too. To reduce these risk factors, skip the sugary, processed foods in favor of healthy eating with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/heart-healthy-diet\/\"><b>The best heart-healthy diet<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-signs-of-heart-problems\"><b>What are the signs of heart problems?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different symptoms can indicate different heart problems. Watch for these most common symptoms of a bad heart\u2013though they might seem innocuous, they could mean your heart health is at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-extreme-fatigue\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Extreme fatigue<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Coronary artery disease; congestive heart failure; valvular heart disease<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many conditions that can cause fatigue. Yet, persistent, unexplained tiredness could be a sign that your heart is not pumping well, or is encountering some other problem\u2014like a blockage or a valve issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-shortness-of-breath\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Shortness of breath<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Atherosclerosis; coronary artery disease; congestive heart failure; valvular heart disease<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sure, you get winded easily if you\u2019re a little out of shape, but don\u2019t write it off too quickly. If you find yourself gasping for air after a small amount of exertion, like walking out to the car or up the front steps, it could be heart-related.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-change-in-exercise-tolerance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Change in exercise tolerance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate:<\/b> <b>Coronary artery disease; congestive heart failure; valvular heart disease<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. John Osborne, the director of cardiology at LowT Center\/HerKare and volunteer for the American Heart Association (AHA), regularly sees patients who could mow the lawn easily a few months ago, but now struggle\u2014and they end up having heart disease. If tasks that used to be painless are now difficult, consider seeing a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-digestive-concerns\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Digestive concerns<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Coronary artery disease; congestive heart failure<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain can be common signs of a heart attack\u2014these are especially common symptoms of heart disease in women, who often have different symptoms than men. It can start with a vague sense of not feeling well in the digestive area or heartburn, but these, along with breaking into a cold sweat, can indicate coronary artery disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-sleep-apnea-snoring-or-waking-up-during-the-night\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Sleep apnea, snoring, or waking up during the night<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could Indicate: Arrhythmia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span> <b>coronary artery disease; congestive heart failure<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease could be behind your poor night\u2019s sleep. Your blood flow and heart rate change when you go to sleep when everything is functioning normally. If there\u2019s something wrong, it could be waking you up at 1 a.m. Sleep problems can be signs of heart failure. Heart failure can cause sleep apnea or make fluid build up in the lungs, and arrhythmia can make you feel like your heart is racing\u2014both of which can interrupt your dreams.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Read more: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/sleep-apnea-treatment-and-medications\"><b>Sleep apnea treatments and medications<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6-swelling\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Swelling\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Congestive heart failure; valvular heart disease<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Especially in the lower legs, ankles, or feet, swelling can be a symptom of heart failure. If you have puffed up so much that your finger leaves an indent when you touch your body, it might be time to check with a medical professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"7-chest-discomfort-or-angina\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Chest discomfort or angina<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Atherosclerosis; coronary artery disease; valvular heart disease<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feelings of squeezing, tightness, uncomfortable pressure, or heaviness can be signals that something is wrong with your heart. People commonly describe cardiac distress as feeling like an elephant is sitting on their chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"8-leg-cramps\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Leg cramps<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Atherosclerosis<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg pain, or difficulty walking, can be a sign that your circulation is impaired. Blockages in the arteries carrying blood flow to the legs could be to blame.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"9-heart-rhythm-and-rate-changes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Heart rhythm and rate changes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: High or low blood pressure; congestive heart failure; valvular heart disease; arrhythmia<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your heartbeat feels unusual\u2014too fast or uneven\u2014that is called having palpitations. It\u2019s a feeling similar to when you\u2019ve had too much caffeine or feel panicked. But if you\u2019re just sitting and reading a book, and your heart starts to race, it could mean you\u2019re at risk for heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"10-shoulder-arm-neck-back-abdomen-or-jaw-pain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Shoulder, arm, neck, back, abdomen, or jaw pain<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Atherosclerosis; coronary artery disease<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your heart is struggling, it can make other parts of the body call out in pain. Arm pain is a classic heart attack symptom, but it can also occur in the shoulders, back, stomach, or jaw.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/right-shoulder-blade-pain-causes\/\"> <b>What causes right shoulder blade pain? Related conditions and treatments\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"11-dizziness-or-lightheadedness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Dizziness or lightheadedness<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Arrhythmia; high or low blood pressure; congestive heart failure; valvular heart disease<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling faint usually means there\u2019s not enough blood flow to the brain. While there are lots of causes, abnormal heart function could be one of them\u2014especially when you feel dizzy upon standing up. And if you experience dizziness after consuming a meal, you may have a condition called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/heart-health\/eating-can-cause-low-blood-pressure\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">postprandial hypotension<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or low blood pressure after eating\u2013this is often a long-term consequence of arterial stiffness from high blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"12-persistent-cough\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Persistent cough<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Coronary artery disease; congestive heart failure<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart failure can make fluid build up in your lungs, which can trigger coughing or wheezing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"13-weakness-in-extremities\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13. Weakness in extremities<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Atherosclerosis<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness in the legs goes hand-in-hand with changes in exercise tolerance and shortness of breath. It could be a type of fatigue associated with heart trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"14-excessive-sweating\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. Excessive sweating<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: Congestive heart failure; coronary artery disease<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive sweating, or diaphoresis,\u200b\u200b may be an early sign of heart failure. According to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8611272\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease, profuse sweating is a symptom frequently reported by cardiovascular patients prior to heart failure. If you are experiencing diaphoresis, especially if it occurs with other heart attack symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience any of the above signs of heart disease\u2014either acutely or worsening over time\u2014first stop what you\u2019re doing and wait for it to resolve. Then, call your primary care physician and make an appointment to get it checked out. If it doesn\u2019t resolve and you begin to experience other urgent symptoms, like more intense pain or difficulty walking, call 911 and go to the emergency room as these could be signs your heart is failing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"15-skin-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15. Skin symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Could indicate: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, atherosclerosis, arrhythmia<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your skin and nails may hold warning signs of heart disease. Watch out for the following <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/diseases\/a-z\/heart-disease-warning-signs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling in the feet\/legs, or edema,\u00a0 may indicate that your heart isn\u2019t working properly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue or purple skin discoloration, or cyanosis, could mean you have a blocked blood vessel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A net-like pattern on the skin that is blue or purple in color can indicate a blocked artery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cholesterol deposits on the eyelids, hands, or back of the legs appearing as yellowish-orange, waxy growths may indicate high cholesterol.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waxy bumps that appear on the skin in clusters can also be an indication of high levels of a type of cholesterol called triglycerides in the blood.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen fingertips and nails that curve downward may mean you have a heart infection or heart disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red or purple lines that appear under the nails not caused by an injury may indicate heart disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smooth and waxy lumps on the skin can be a sign of protein buildup in the heart which can impair its function.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painful lumps in your fingers and\/or toes could mean that you have a heart or blood vessel infection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brown or red splotches on the soles of your feet or palms of your hand may also be an indication of a heart or blood vessel infection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong><span class=\"title\">Compare cardiovascular disease symptoms <\/span><\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Symptoms<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Coronary artery disease<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Congestive heart failure<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Valvular heart disease<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Athero-sclerosis<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Arrhythmia<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>High or low blood pressure<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme fatigue<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">x<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change in exercise tolerance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digestive concerns<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep problems<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg cramps<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart rhythm changes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain in other parts of body<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness or lightheadedness<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent cough<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness in extremities<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive sweating<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin problems<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-signs-of-a-heart-attack\">What are the signs of a heart attack?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart attacks are a medical emergency. Keep watch for these common symptoms so you can help yourself or others.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chest pain.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This could manifest as chest pressure, squeezing, discomfort, or the feeling of \u201can elephant on your chest,\u201d <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/drmarthagulati.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Gulati<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> says.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Arm pain.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This includes your jaw, shoulder, and arm, and is usually on the left side; it could be localized to one spot.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stomach problems.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This includes indigestion, heartburn, acid, nausea, stomach pain, or reflux that doesn\u2019t correlate with a meal, especially in the case of silent heart attacks, Dr. Osborne says.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lightheadedness.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you\u2019re dizzy, light-headed, or passing out, that\u2019s a sign of an emergency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sweating.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This typically manifests as a cold sweat, but any sudden excess sweating without warning is a symptom.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Shortness of breath.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This includes difficulty taking a deep breath or asthma-like symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fatigue.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your heart struggling to keep you alive can make you very tired very fast.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/chest-pain-causes-treatment\/\"><b>How do I know if my chest pain is serious?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of a heart attack in women can be a little different than the symptoms of a heart attack in men.\u00a0 Although chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom in both genders, women may experience it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/heart-disease\/in-depth\/heart-disease\/art-20046167\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">much less intensely<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example, they may feel pressure or tightness in their chest rather than outright pain. In addition to the above symptoms, women may experience different neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or upper abdominal discomfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/womens-heart-problems\/\"><b>Risk factors and signs of heart issues in women<\/b><\/a> <b>| <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/mens-heart-health-tips\/\"><b>Heart disease symptoms in men<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-should-i-do-if-i-or-a-loved-one-is-having-a-heart-attack\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What should I do if I or a loved one is having a heart attack?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect you or someone around you is having a heart attack, you need to act quickly. First (and most importantly), call 911. Do not attempt to drive yourself or anyone you know to the hospital. While the ambulance is on the way, the 911 operator might instruct you to take these steps if you\u2019re having a heart attack:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chew an aspirin. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/heart-attack\/treatment-of-a-heart-attack\/aspirin-and-heart-disease\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 911 operator may have you do this<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help thin the blood and start to break up the blood clot causing issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Unlock the door. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re alone and you pass out, the paramedics will still be able to enter easily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stop what you\u2019re doing and try to relax.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You need to immediately remove any extra strain on your heart, so sit or lie down. If coughing hard or banging on your chest helps you feel better, do it, but Dr. Osborne notes that it doesn\u2019t really make any difference in the course of a heart attack.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re not the one having the heart attack, <\/span><b>administer CPR<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-is-heart-disease-diagnosed\"><b>How is heart disease diagnosed?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, your provider will ask about your personal and family history of heart disease. Then, they may prescribe lab and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/heart-disease\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20353124\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">imaging tests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Blood tests<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/22207-cardiac-blood-tests\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood tests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to measure your cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as tests to check for certain proteins and other substances that are linked to heart disease and poor heart health will likely be performed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Imaging tests<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/tests-procedures\/chest-x-rays\/about\/pac-20393494\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chest X-ray <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can show heart problems like blood vessel damage, fluid around your heart, and changes to its size. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the heart takes X-ray images at different angles around the heart. A magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) of the heart uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Exercise or stress tests: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your heart may be monitored while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike so that your provider can see if symptoms of heart disease occur during exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This test checks your heart for abnormal rhythm, or arrhythmia. You may also be asked to wear a Holter monitor, or portable ECG device over the course of a day to check for the same.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Echocardiogram<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: To determine how blood moves through your heart and its valves, sound waves are used via an echocardiogram.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Cardiac catheterization:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In this procedure, a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin or wrist and fed to the heart. Dye is injected through the tube so that your healthcare provider is able to see the heart and arteries during an X-ray.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-treatment-for-heart-disease\"><b>What is the treatment for heart disease?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have heart disease, the condition might be treated with medications, which can also be used to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of future cardiac events. To treat a constricted or blocked artery, your healthcare provider might use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heartfoundation.org.nz\/your-heart\/heart-treatments\/angioplasty-and-stents\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">angioplasty to open the artery and place a stent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the vessel, or in severe cases, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heartfoundation.org.nz\/your-heart\/heart-treatments\/coronary-artery-bypass-graft-surgery\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">coronary artery bypass surgery <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may be warranted\u2013this involves grafting a blood vessel from the aorta to the coronary artery. Or, if you have a damaged valve, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heartfoundation.org.nz\/your-heart\/heart-treatments\/heart-valve-surgery\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart valve surgery<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be done to repair or replace it. For heart arrhythmias, the implantation of a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heartfoundation.org.nz\/your-heart\/heart-treatments\/pacemakers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pacemaker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heartfoundation.org.nz\/your-heart\/heart-treatments\/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator-icd\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cardioverter defibrillator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can improve your quality of life and keep your heartbeat stable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-are-common-heart-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are common heart medications?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need heart medication, there are hundreds of options for your cardiologist to choose from. These are the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/heart-attack\/treatment-of-a-heart-attack\/cardiac-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medication categories (and how they work).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/blood-thinners-for-afib\/\"><b>Blood thinners<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop blood from clotting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antiplatelet agents (including aspirin): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expand blood vessels and help blood flow more easily and reduce blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stop blood pressure from rising<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhance artery opening and blood flow and reduce sodium and fluid retention<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Beta blockers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make the heart beat slower and stronger<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Calcium channel blockers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop calcium from entering the heart and blood vessels and reduce blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cholesterol medications: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lowers high cholesterol levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digitalis: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make heart contractions stronger<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diuretics: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove excess fluid from the body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vasodilators: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relax blood vessels and bring more blood and oxygen to the heart and can reduce blood pressure as well<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-can-i-prevent-heart-disease\"><b>How can I prevent heart disease?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporate healthy lifestyle changes to enhance the efficacy of heart medications. The following <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/howtopreventheartdisease.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lifestyle changes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can reduce your risk of heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Control your blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your cholesterol at a healthy range<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain a healthy weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat a healthy diet low in processed foods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get plenty of exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the alcohol to a minimum<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t smoke, or quit if you\u2019re a smoker<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find ways to manage stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/high-triglycerides-treatment-options\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">poor diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and lack of physical activity can put you at a higher risk of heart disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions-about-heart-symptoms\"><b>Frequently asked questions about heart symptoms<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"what-is-a-dangerous-heart-rate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a dangerous heart rate?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, a healthy heart rate is between 60 (or 50 if you\u2019re really healthy) and 100 beats per minute\u2014so anything above or below those numbers could be a problem. On either end of the spectrum, you might be feeling dizzy, faint, or lightheaded, or pass out, Dr. Osborne says. If it\u2019s above 100 beats per minute, that\u2019s when you might have chest pain and shortness of breath.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Either way, though, high or low, head to the healthcare provider. An abnormal heartbeat at these levels could mean thyroid problems, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or any number of other health problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-long-does-a-heart-attack-last-if-untreated\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does a heart attack last if untreated?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we hear about heart attacks, it\u2019s typically something that\u2019s come out of nowhere and was unexpected. But some heart symptoms\u2014depending on the situation\u2014can last for several days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cEverybody\u2019s different,\u201d Dr. Gulati says. \u201c[For] some people, symptoms will come on suddenly, and that usually means that maybe a clot broke off or something initiated the cascade of a thrombus or blood clot formation. But other people may have ongoing symptoms of angina [reduced blood flow to the heart] that just get worse over time. It might be a response to stressful situations or both physical and emotional stress may bring it on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you could get chest heaviness while walking, but it goes away once you begin to rest. Or you could have chest heaviness and shortness of breath, and feel excessively hot and sweaty when exercising\u2014so you stop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThose are usually warning signs that there\u2019s something going on,\u201d Dr. Gulati says. \u201cAngina presents in many different ways to different people. Some people, it will be sudden in onset and they\u2019ve never experienced a symptom before, and for other people, they may have been experiencing small but subtle things that have been gradually getting worse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other symptoms that could last for several days or even months, Dr. Osborne says, include swelling, waking up short of breath at night, not being able to sleep flat, breathlessness, and the inability to take a deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/depression-caused-by-physical-illness\/\"><b>The link between physical and mental health<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"when-should-i-be-worried-about-heart-palpitations\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When should I be worried about heart palpitations?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though they may be scary at the time, brief heart palpitations are usually not serious. Dr. Gulati says that some people are just more aware of their heartbeats than others and are more likely to notice skipped beats or other palpitations. But she and Dr. Osborne both agree that it\u2019s time to seek medical help when those palpitations come along with fainting, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-are-the-signs-of-heart-problems-in-women-vs-men\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the signs of heart problems in women vs. men?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Men and women experience many of the same symptoms, but some are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theheartfoundation.org\/2017\/03\/29\/heart-attack-men-vs-women\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more common<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in men than women and vice versa. These are the most common signs of heart problems in men and women.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Men are most likely to experience:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest discomfort toward the center of the chest (feelings of pressure, fullness, pain, or squeezing)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain and discomfort in the arms, back, chest, neck, jaw, or stomach<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breaking out in a cold sweat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling lightheaded<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women most commonly experience:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest discomfort toward the center of the chest (feelings of pressure, fullness, pain, or squeezing)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain and discomfort in the arms, back, chest, neck, jaw, or stomach<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breaking out in a cold sweat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\/vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling lightheaded<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart palpitations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep disturbances<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unexplained fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although sometimes there are no clear warning signs of a heart problem, there is often treatment available. If you notice one of these unusual signs there might be a problem with your ticker, don\u2019t delay. See your healthcare provider, and find out what you can do to treat it.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone knows that crushing chest pain is often a sign of a heart attack. But there are some types of cardiovascular disease whose symptoms are far more subtle. Take this patient who went to their healthcare provider about shoulder aches and pain. Her healthcare provider told her to lighten her load and carry her purse [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":8514,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[737,8905,11278],"coauthors":[8371],"class_list":["post-8398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-heart-health","tag-seasonal","tag-singlecare-for-seniors","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What are early signs of heart problems?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Chest or arm pain are classic signs of heart problems but subtle symptoms could signal big problems. 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