5 Critical Signs of Poor Heart Health That Should Not Be Overlooked

Dr. David Majdalani of the Cleveland Health Clinic highlights five critical symptoms of poor heart health that warrant immediate medical attention:

5 CRITICAL SIGNS OF A FAILING HEART NOT TO DISREGARD

1. IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT.

Medically termed as "arrhythmia," it doesn't always indicate a heart rate that's too rapid or slow.

An irregular heartbeat might present as a missed beat, an extra beat, a fluttering sensation, "tachycardia" – an overly fast heartbeat, or "bradycardia" – an overly slow heartbeat. Sometimes, it may not exhibit any symptoms, known as a "silent" arrhythmia. Given their potential severity, it's safest to consult a doctor.

WebMD lists the following symptoms for an irregular heartbeat:

Note: A "silent" arrhythmia may not produce any symptoms.

• Palpitations – missed or extra beats, fluttering, or "flip-flops."
• Thumping sensation in the chest.
• Lightheadedness.
• Passing out.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Pain or constriction in the chest.
• Extreme fatigue – feeling very tired or weak.

Should you experience an irregular heartbeat, it is advised to:

• Engaging in certain activities that often exacerbate the complaint.
• Smoking, if applicable.
• Excessive alcohol consumption. The recommended limit is one drink per day for women and two for men.
• High intake of caffeine.
• Using cold and cough medications that contain stimulants. It's always best to consult your physician for advice on the most suitable medications for you.

2. CHEST PAIN.

According to the NHS in the United Kingdom, "chest pain can be caused by a range of issues from muscle pain to a heart attack and should never be ignored." The discomfort may not always stem from the heart. It could also originate from the muscles, lungs, esophagus, nerves, or ribs, including the sternum. WebMD lists types of chest pain as sharp, dull, burning, aching, stabbing, or a sensation of tightness or crushing.

Additional symptoms to be aware of alongside chest pain include:

• Dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate or breathing, confusion, grey complexion, or excessive sweating.
• Pain spreading to the jaw, left arm, or back.
• Sudden feeling of pressure or crushing under the breast bone.
• Extremely low blood pressure or heart rate.
• Shortness of breath.

Causes of heart-related chest pain include:

• Coronary Artery Disease
• Angina
• Heart Attack
• Myocarditis, which presents symptoms similar to a heart attack but without the blockage
• Pericarditis
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• Mitral Valve Prolapse
• Coronary Artery Dissection

3. DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT).

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition caused by a blood clot in one or more of the deep veins, often leading to significant media attention due to fatalities associated with inactivity during flights.

DVT typically arises from certain medical conditions that alter blood clotting, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. It can also occur if one remains immobile for extended periods, such as post-surgery, after an accident, or while bedridden in a hospital or nursing home. 

DVT is notorious for potentially causing pulmonary embolism, where a clot travels to the lungs. Together, DVT and pulmonary embolism constitute venous thromboembolism (VTE).

The NHS in the UK lists the following symptoms for DVT and pulmonary embolism:

For DVT:

• Pain, swelling, and tenderness in one leg, often the calf
• A heavy ache in the affected area
• Warm skin near the clot
• Redness of the skin, especially behind the leg below the knee

DVT typically affects one leg and the pain may intensify when bending the foot upward toward the knee.

For Pulmonary embolism:

If left untreated, approximately one in ten individuals with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) will develop a pulmonary embolism, a severe condition characterized by:

• Gradual or sudden onset of breathlessness
• Chest pain that may worsen upon breathing in
• Sudden collapse

Both DVT and pulmonary embolism necessitate immediate investigation and treatment.

DVT can occur in anyone but is more prevalent in individuals over 40. Other risk factors include:

• Personal or family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism
• Prolonged inactivity, such as post-surgery or during long travels
• Blood vessel damage, which can lead to blood clot formation
• Conditions or treatments that increase blood clotting, such as cancer (including chemotherapy and radiotherapy), heart and lung diseases, thrombophilia, and Hughes syndrome
• Pregnancy, which naturally increases blood clotting
• Being overweight or obese

The combined contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), both containing oestrogen, slightly elevate the risk of DVT due to increased blood clotting.

4. HEART ATTACK.

It is imperative to act swiftly in this case. A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort that may spread to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw. 

This pain is often in the center or left side of the chest and persists for more than a few minutes. The discomfort can sometimes resemble heartburn. Additional symptoms may include shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, a cold sweat, or fatigue, according to Wikipedia.

Wikipedia further explains that the onset of a heart attack is usually gradual, taking several minutes, and is seldom sudden. Prompt response to the initial signs of an MI greatly increases the likelihood of survival. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is crucial to contact emergency services immediately.

5. CORONARY HEART DISEASE, CHD.

The NHS in the UK describes the causes of CHD as follows:

"Coronary heart disease occurs when the blood supply to the heart is obstructed or disrupted due to fatty substance accumulation in the coronary arteries. As time passes, these arteries may accumulate fatty deposits, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis, with the deposits referred to as atheroma.

Lifestyle factors and various conditions can lead to atherosclerosis, including:

• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes"

Source: powerofpositivity.com