Your heart is a remarkable organ, the rhythmic powerhouse that beats tirelessly to sustain your life. It pumps blood and essential nutrients throughout your body, fueling every cell and ensuring vitality. However, like any intricate machinery, the heart is susceptible to malfunctions and vulnerabilities, and its cries for help may sometimes go unnoticed.
Heart disease, encompassing a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is also reported that AI Heart scans can detect early Heart Diseases.
So, pay attention to the subtle signs of heart disease that your heart might be trying to communicate. This article delves into 12 crucial signs that could indicate heart disease.
1. Sleep Apnea
If you experience snoring with intermittent pauses in your breathing, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. This condition affects oxygen levels in your body, leading to increased stress on the heart and potential risks of high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, strokes, and heart failure. Fortunately, sleep apnea is treatable.
2. Yellow-Orange Bumpy Rash
Extremely high triglyceride levels can cause a bumpy rash around the knuckles of your fingers and toes and on your buttocks. These elevated fats in the blood may contribute to arterial hardening and are often associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
3. Poor Grip Strength
Research suggests that the strength of your hand grip may be linked to the power of your heart. A weaker grip might indicate an increased risk of heart disease. However, improving your grip strength alone may not make your heart healthier.
4. Dark Spot Under Nails
If you notice little dots of blood trapped under your nail without any recent injury, it could be a sign of endocarditis, an infection in the heart’s lining or valves. People with diabetes may also experience these blood specks, and diabetes is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and strokes.
5. Dizziness
Lightheadedness or dizziness can result from insufficient blood flow to the brain, which may indicate an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or heart failure. It can also be a lesser-known symptom of a heart attack.
6. Sexual Problems
Issues with sexual function can be associated with heart disease and heart attack or stroke. Men with erectile dysfunction might have circulation problems related to high blood pressure or narrowed arteries from cholesterol buildup. Similarly, women may experience reduced libido and sexual enjoyment due to blood flow problems.
7. Skin Color Changes
Blue or grey fingers and toes may indicate poor circulation of oxygen-rich blood, often caused by a heart defect from birth or narrowed/blocked blood vessels. A lacy, mottled, purple pattern on the skin may result from cholesterol plaques breaking off and getting stuck in small blood vessels, a condition known as emboli. Endocarditis can also lead to bloody splotches under the skin of the hands and feet.
8. Bleeding Gums
Though the connection isn’t fully understood, bleeding, swollen, or tender gums may be linked to heart disease. One theory suggests that bacteria from the gums can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation in the heart. Gum disease can also raise the risk of strokes.
9. Dark, Velvety Skin Patches
Thick, dark patches called acanthosis nigricans, often found in skin folds like the neck, armpits, and groin, can be a sign of insulin resistance. If left untreated, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes can increase the danger of heart disease.
10. Trouble Breathing
Shortness of breath can be a symptom of heart failure, an abnormal heart rhythm, or a heart attack. If you experience difficulty catching your breath after minimal physical exertion or while lying down, it’s essential to inform your doctor.
11. Swelling In Lower Legs
Swollen legs can result from standing or sitting for extended periods, but it can also be a symptom of heart failure and poor circulation in the legs. Sudden swelling may indicate a blood clot obstructing blood return to the heart, requiring immediate medical attention.
12. Fatigue
Feeling constantly tired might indicate heart failure, where the heart’s pumping ability is compromised. Pay attention to other accompanying symptoms, such as coughing and swelling, as fatigue can indicate conditions like anemia, cancer, or depression.
Concluding Thoughts
Remember that experiencing one or more symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have heart disease. Still, they may warrant a visit to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate diagnosis. Early detection and timely intervention can help prevent serious complications and improve heart health.
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