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Signals from your ears can predict heart rhythm. © Shutterstock
The small pains that you have been ignoring, the shortness of breath which you take as normal, the lasting cough that you aren t concerned about; can all be signs of impending heart trouble. It s time to open your eyes and watch out for the warning signs. Over the years, with the change in environment, lifestyle, and daily habits, heart problems have become widespread. Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes etc. are all on the rise, and consequently, the number of heart patients keeps growing every year.
Dr Sujit Paul, Managing Director, StayHappi Pharmacy, shares some warning signs that confirm you may be at risk of heart attack:
1. Chest Pain/discomfort - You may feel chest pain, tightness or pressure in your chest. At times, it feels like a giant elephant is sitting on top of you. The feeling lasts for more than a minute, and usually occurs when you are resting or engaging in some physical activity. Also, keep in mind that you can have a heart attack even without chest pains. These are particularly common among women.
2. Snoring and sleeping disorders - Problems like insomnia and sleep apnea are some disorders that occur when there is a disruption in breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea is when the sleeper wakes up in between the sleep gasping for air; this is associated with high blood pressure, stroke, arrhythmia and heart failure. These signs can be a signal that something might be wrong with your heart.
3. Nausea, Indigestion or heartburn - These often overlooked symptoms also give you an idea about the possibility of an imminent heart attack. No doubt, an upset stomach can happen because of other reasons as well, but you need to be aware as it is also found related to heart trouble.
4. Pain spreading to the arms - Another very common and most noticed symptom of heart attack is the pain radiating down to the left part of your body. It will usually start from your chest and slowly move outwards.
5. Dizziness and light-headedness - If you suddenly feel unsteady and your chest is in discomfort, or you are losing breath then, it can be because of the drop in blood pressure and your heart is not able to pump enough blood as per the demand of your body.
6. Sore gums, mouth or jaw pain - If you have pain or pressure in your chest, and that slowly spreads to your jaw or throat then this could be a sign of heart attack. A pain in the jaw or throat combined with chest pain can be a sign of heart attack and is commonly found among women.
7. Sweating - Cold sweat is not common and it can be a sign of heart attack.
8. Swelling in legs, feet, and ankles - When your heart doesn t pump blood effectively then blood backs up in the veins and causes bloating, due to heart failure your kidney doesn t function well to remove extra water and sodium from the body which causes bloating in certain body parts.
9. A long-lasting cough - If you have a long-lasting cough that produces mucus of pink or red colour it can be a sign of heart attack. This happens when your heart is unable to keep up with your body and causes blood to leak back into the lungs.
10. Irregular heartbeat - Due to high blood pressure or blockage in the pipes of the heart your heart may not be pumping blood in the normal rhythm and that can lead to irregular heartbeat.