It is a known fact that the human heart is one of the most vital organs in the body. It pumps blood throughout your circulatory system, and if it doesn’t do this properly or stops working altogether, you can suffer from potentially fatal health issues. In this article, we will discuss warning signs that your heart may not be functioning at 100% so you can have peace of mind knowing what to look out for!
Chest Pain
One of the primary signs that your heart is not functioning properly is chest pain. If you experience a sharp or dull pain in your chest when performing any activity, it could indicate potential problems with the valves in this organ. This issue may also be accompanied by discomfort in one arm, nausea, and/or shortness of breath.
In some cases, people will feel a squeezing sensation around their neck instead of in their actual chest area! You need to get yourself checked out as soon as possible if these symptoms are present because they can signal severe coronary artery disease, among other conditions.
Chest Tightness/Pressure
Similar to chest pain, pressure around your actual chest area is another symptom of potential health issues involving the human heart! This discomfort can make breathing difficult for some people and could even lead them to feel lightheaded or dizzy. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible because they could be indicative of a severe cardiac problem.
Persistent & Consistent Coughing
A powerful organ like the human heart requires very little force to function correctly, so any issues will be obvious when you cough. If you are coughing up mucus on a consistent basis that doesn’t seem to go away or if your symptoms get worse with physical activity, particularly in cold weather conditions (like snow shoveling!), there may be an issue with one of the valves in this vital organ. Take note if this happens during all seasons because certain cardiac problems only emerge under specific environmental conditions.
Unusual & Extreme Anxiety Levels
When your heart is not functioning properly, it can start to send less blood and oxygen throughout the body. This, in turn, may lead to feelings of anxiety or a sense of impending doom because your brain isn’t getting the energy it needs! If you are feeling unusually anxious for no apparent reason or if this sensation persists even when you’re resting, there may be an issue with your heart health. Get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible just to be safe.
Sudden Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired for seemingly no reason can be an alarming sign that something is wrong with your heart. This symptom may manifest itself during physical activity, but it can also occur at other times, such as simply resting or sleeping. When accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, and/or rapid heartbeat, this fatigue should not be ignored! It might mean that your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood due to another health issue.
Frequent Urination
This symptom could actually signal problems with either your heart or your kidneys, but it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional either way. If you find yourself having to urinate more often than usual (even during the night), it may be a sign that your heart is not functioning properly and isn’t able to push all of the blood it needs through your body. This can also lead to fluid retention, which would cause swelling in your extremities and face.
Sudden Weight Gain/Edema
Suppose you’ve been working hard at the gym and eating healthy but have inexplicably gained weight recently. In that case, one of the possible causes could be an underlying health condition involving your heart. Swelling in certain parts of your body, particularly in your feet and ankles, can be another indication that your heart is not working as efficiently as it should be. This symptom is often referred to as edema and can be a sign of congestive heart failure, among other issues.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please don’t hesitate to seek medical attention! Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take care of yourself now so you can enjoy a long and healthy life! It’s always preferable to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.