Cardiovascular Health

10 Sneaky Signs of Heart Disease

Saying heart diseases are dangerous and complicated would be an understatement. Cardiovascular diseases were credited for about 697,000 deaths in the year 2020. One of the most common heart diseases is coronary artery disease. CAD can potentially lead to a heart attack.  

Risk Factors for Heart Disease 

About 47% of the population of the United States has at least one of the following key risk factors. 

• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol 
• Smoking 
• Alcoholism 
• Mental disorders are also often linked to heart diseases. 

Experts suggest that adopting healthy life choices, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can curb the signs and symptoms of heart disease. But first, do you know what these 10 sneaky signs of heart disease that you must look out for are? 

Learn about 10 signs of heart disease you must not ignore and why.  

10 Sneaky Signs of Heart Disease 

1. Chest pain that comes and goes

Chest pain is quite a common sign of heart disease, but not many people suspect this pain to be caused due to a heart problem. Typically, pain or tightness in chest that arises when you exert yourself and subsides when you stop is indicative of angina, which can be a symptom of coronary artery disease. Heart attack can also cause chest pain that comes and goes and then returns after a few minutes. 

2. Shortness of breath

Dyspnoea, or shortness of breath, may feel like you can’t catch your breath or get enough air into your lungs. Breathing may feel difficult and uncomfortable. 

People diagnosed with heart disease may also complain about shortness of breath almost daily. Heart problems like angina, heart failure, heart attack, and atrial fibrillation can lead to breathlessness. 

Breathlessness can result due to varied reasons. It could be either because the heart does not pump enough oxygenated blood to supply to the body, making it respond by breathing faster to catch oxygen. Or because of the improper functioning of the heart leading to the build-up of fluid in the lungs, making breathing difficult. 

HPFY Recommends - Kaz Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler 

Kaz Vicks Steam Inhaler offers relief from chest congestion. Steam inhaler adds moisture and warmth to the air, improves breathing, and helps loosen the mucus in the lungs. The Vicks inhaler also relaxes the throat muscles and dilates the blood vessels improving blood circulation.  

Features of Kaz Vicks Nasal Inhaler 

• Has dual scent pad slots for Vicks soothing vapors. 
• Helps user breathe better and sleep comfortably. 
• Variable steam control adjusts the steam level and temperature for natural and comfortable breathing. 

3. Dull pain in left arm that comes and goes

Normally, dull left arm pain is associated with a pinched nerve, shoulder dislocation, or even an injury. But there is a good chance that the dull pain in the left arm that comes and goes may be a sign of a heart attack in men.   

Interestingly, the movement of the pain can be one of the key differences between signs of a heart attack in women and men. 

In women, the pain is rather subtle and can radiate to either arm. This dull pain in left arm that comes and goes and can travel to the abdomen, making one feel anxious or nauseous. 

4. Feeling nauseous and tired all the time

Women are more likely to report feeling nauseous and tired at all times. Chronic nausea and tiredness are a lesser-known symptoms of heart disease. As the heart struggles to pump blood, fluid, and pressure, build-up causes bloating and water retention and makes you nauseous.  

Those at risk of cardiovascular disease and experiencing such symptoms must consult their doctor to identify the actual reason for it. 

5. Stomach problems that affect the heart

Certain health conditions, such as chronic atrial and intestinal dysrhythmia, or CAID, affect the heart and the digestive system. It disrupts the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. 

Similarly, atrophic gastritis, or AG, is a chronic inflammation in the stomach lining. A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine suggests that AG is an independent risk factor for CAD.  

Chronic inflammation in the digestive system may be associated with the prevalence of CAD. 

6. Cardiovascular dysphagia

Many people also complain about having difficulty swallowing food and water. Cardiovascular dysphagia is one of the different types of dysphagia and a symptom of heart disease. Anatomically, the left atrium is situated in front of the esophagus. Left atrial enlargement or abnormality in the aorta artery may cause dysphagia in adults. 

HPFY Recommends - Kent Thick-It 2 Instant Food and Beverage Thickener 

Kent Thick-It is an instant food thickener for people with dysphagia, diabetes, and weight management. Thickened beverages and foods are used to avoid malnutrition when a person is unable to eat conventionally. Kent Thick-It blends to any consistency and does not affect the taste or appearance of the food. 

Features of Kent Thick-It 

• Gluten-free and kosher approved 
• Easy to digest and does not bind fluids 
• Mixes easily and does not leave lumps 
• Provides body adequate nutrients and hydration 
• Reduces the risk of aspiration 

7. Diabetes  

Diabetes increases the risk of heart problems by two to four times. The majority of type 2 diabetes patients eventually develop cardiovascular disease. The longer one has had diabetes, the more likely they are to develop heart disease. 

But the good news is diabetics can lower their risk of developing health complications by properly managing diabetes and exercising.  

HPFY Recommends - Lifescan Inc OneTouch Diabetes Logbook 

With the OneTouch Diabetes Logbook, you can track your blood sugar levels. Record your daily readings and physical activity results, and plan a diabetes diet to compare and manage your symptoms. 

Features of Lifescan Inc OneTouch Diabetes Logbook 

• Records 27 weeks’ data 
• Easily share results with a doctor 
• Compact and easy to carry 
• Enough room to record glucose levels, insulin levels, and comments 

8. Bad Breath 

Inflamed or clogged arteries result in an unhealthy gut and diseased gums. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream causing bad breath. Gum diseases increase the likelihood of developing problems with the circulatory system, such as hardening of the arteries, blood clots, and heart attacks. 

Good oral hygiene can help in curbing the symptom of heart disease. Brush and floss at least twice a day – once in the morning and before going to bed.  

9. Frequent urination 

Too much water or beer can surely perturb your peaceful slumber. However, nighttime urination is a less talked about the sign of heart disease. A weak heart delivers inadequate blood to the kidneys, leading to a fluid build-up in the legs and ankles. This fluid is absorbed by the body and turned into urine. Hence, the sudden urge to urinate frequently during the night. 

Although nighttime urination is quite common in older men with enlarged prostates and older women with incontinence, waking up more than once during the night to pee may be alarming. 

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Attends Overnight Diaper is designed to provide optimum protection from heavy leakage. This adult diaper keeps the user dry, wicks moisture away from the skin, offers breathability, and lets the wearer sleep peacefully. 

Features of Attends Adult Diaper 

• The Dry-Lock Technology locks away liquid quickly. 
• The ConfidenceCuff Elastics provide protection against wetness day and night. 
• 100 percent breathable material helps improve comfort and promotes healthy skin. 
• Wetness Indicating Strip indicates when it's time to change the brief. 

10. Swollen ankles 

Due to poor blood circulation, fluid starts building up in the lungs and lower extremities, leading to leg pain and swelling in the ankles and feet. While mild swelling is treatable with home remedies and health products if the ankle and feet swell and pain excessively, talk to your doctor immediately.  

HPFY Recommends - CareActive Mens Edema Boot 

Swollen ankles or feet cause utter discomfort, especially during the night. CareActive Edema Boot is used to treating edema and diabetic swollen feet. These boots have a forty percent wider footprint at both the toe and heel, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking for a roomy, super-soft slipper. 

Features of Edema Boot for Men 

• High-domed toe box 
• Full sherpa lining 
• Foam padded innersole 
• Non-slip vinyl outer sole  

Paying attention to heart health is crucial. A weak heart can cause several problems. If you are experiencing any or all of these 10 sneaky signs of heart disease, consult your doctor at the earliest.  

To manage these signs and symptoms of heart disease, explore HPFY and live a healthy lifestyle. 

 

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