Far too many people believe that if they aren’t experiencing chest pain, they don’t need to worry about their heart. In reality, chest pain is just one of many signs that something might be wrong with your heart. Understanding some of the lesser-known signs of heart disease can empower you to take action to protect your health.
Kadie E. Leach, MD, serves adults in Lanham, Maryland, to improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic disease and serious health outcomes. Today, let’s take a closer look at some of the lesser-known signs of heart disease and what to do if you experience these symptoms.
Everyone experiences occasional shortness of breath, especially after something strenuous like climbing a flight of stairs or running around with your kids or grandkids. Shortness of breath is common among people who are not physically active when they engage in higher-than-normal exertion.
But if you notice that you’re having a hard time catching your breath after normal activities, or experience shortness of breath even when you’re not being particularly active, it may be time to come in for a heart health assessment.
Shortness of breath can develop when your heart is working harder than normal to move blood throughout your body. It can also indicate that fluid has backed up in your lungs due to insufficient blood flow.
We all go through periods of fatigue. A challenging time at work, trying to keep pace with your kids, or getting started on a new fitness program can leave you feeling more exhausted than usual.
But if you find yourself feeling drained without any clear cause, it’s essential to listen to the message that your body is sending. Ongoing fatigue can be a sign of a serious health issue, including heart disease.
Your heart pumps oxygenated blood and nutrients throughout your body, fueling the cells and organs that keep you thriving. When something prevents your heart from performing this essential task properly, it should come as no surprise that you’d feel more tired and less energetic than normal.
Yes, chest pain is a serious indicator of heart disease. But that doesn’t mean that other forms of pain aren’t also worth investigating. Pain is your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong, and it shouldn’t be ignored.
Heart disease can cause pain in your neck, shoulder, back, or even your jaw. It’s easy to assume that the discomfort is due to a strained muscle or too much time spent in an awkward position. But it could also be a sign of heart disease.
Heart-related pain can come and go over time. It can feel like a dull, throbbing sensation or a sharp, stinging pain. If you experience pain that has no clear cause, it’s worth the time to schedule a heart health check-up.
The first step in assessing heart health is a simple conversation about your personal and family health history. Simple blood testing and a physical exam can also reveal information about how well your heart is functioning.
If Dr. Leach determines you need more in-depth screening, you’ll discuss your next steps. During your visit, you can also learn more about how to protect against heart disease or improve your current heart health.
Kadie E. Leach, MD, and her team encourage you to reach out to schedule a visit if you’re concerned about your heart health. We offer an easy online booking option, and you can also give us a quick call to review the currently available appointment times.
