5 warning signs that you are at a risk of a heart attack

Did you know indigestion, fatigue and swelling in your legs could be signs that you might suffer a heart attack in the near future?

There is a reason heart diseases are called silent killers. It is because symptoms or early warning signs of heart problems are usually subtle and hence, left unattended. This is why most people (whether young or old) realise that their heart is in trouble only when it is too late. However, you can spot the problem even before you cross the danger line and end up in an operation theatre. Here are few vital signs mentioned by Dr Ajit Menon, cardiologist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai that you should pay heed to:

1. Extreme fatigue with shortness of breath

It is one thing to suffer from fatigue if you have too much work pressure, less sleep and are are surviving on junk. But when your heart is giving up, the kind of fatigue you face is different. Your energy reserves will be used up by, say, mid-day, and you might have trouble even doing menial chores, like sitting at your desk and concentrating on work. This shows that your heart is straining itself to pump blood. Another symptom that goes hand-in-hand with fatigue is shortness of breath. When your heart fails to pump effectively, blood pools in the veins and fluid can leak into your lungs, leading to shortness of breath, so much so that taking just a fleet of stairs or walking a mile becomes difficult.

2. Chest pain radiating to shoulder and jaws

While a sudden throbbing chest pain can be a sign of heart attack, prolonged discomfort in chest is also a sign of impending heart troubles. A chest pain that arises due to heart problems might subside after rest or a short nap. It serves as a warning sign that your heart needs attention. If chest pain is too common a problem in your case, it is better to get it checked with a doctor. There are more reasons to worry if your chest pain radiates to your left arm or jaws, making you unable to chew or move your mouth. These could be classic signs of a heart attack.

3. Indigestion

Frequent indigestion could also be a sign that your heart is giving up bit by bit. Acidity and GERD are not just problems related to the stomach. If your heart isn t pumping to its optimum, there is very less blood flowing to your intestines, which hampers the process of digestion, hence the acid reflux and acidity. If you are on an antacid course for a while and face the same symptoms once your medication is over, it is better you pay attention to your heart health now. Visit a cardiologist and get evaluated.

4. Swelling in legs

Often swelling in legs, hands or even face is thought to be a sign of kidney malfunctioning. However, there are two reasons to consider this as a sign of heart trouble. First, if your heart doesn t pump efficiently, there are chances that the blood gets collected in the veins while returning from the lower extremities, making your legs swell. Second, if your heart fails to function to its optimum, it can make the kidneys sluggish in removing wastes from your body. This could could also cause swelling in your legs.

5. Irregular heartbeats or loud heartbeats

Hearing your heartbeat when your room has pin drop silence is not just scary but a matter of concern. Loud or irregular heartbeats are signs that there is a fault in one of the heart valves that needs attention. If ignored, it can lead to major problems later.

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