Why Early Detection Matters
Your heart is the hardest-working muscle in your body. It’s constantly in motion, no matter how relaxed you are. That’s why heart disease can be so damaging: even early heart disease can impact every aspect of your life. In 2019, the American Heart Association estimated that nearly half of all American adults had some form of cardiovascular disease. But heart disease is far from a death sentence. The earlier you catch it, the more you can do about it.
Common Early Signs of Heart Disease
Heart disease takes many forms, and everybody will have a unique combination of symptoms. But there are a few symptoms of early heart disease that everyone should be familiar with. If you or a loved one experiences these, you should talk to your doctor right away.
Chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom that sends people to the emergency room. If your pain is sudden or severe, that’s a medical emergency. However, more subtle chest pain can be a symptom of earlier stages of heart disease. It can feel like mild heaviness, squeezing, or even persistent heartburn, and it can come on slowly. This pain can also be in areas near the heart. Many people experience these sensations radiating through their arm or jaw.
Another early sign of heart disease is extreme fatigue. If your heart is having trouble pumping as much blood as it has to, your body won’t have the oxygen it needs, and you’ll run out of energy faster. If you’ve started having trouble after a short flight of stairs, or you can’t catch your breath after a slow walk around the neighborhood, it’s time to see a doctor. This is especially important if you’re also dizzy or lightheaded during these times.
Subtle Symptoms People Overlook
There are a lot of subtle symptoms of heart disease that can be easy to overlook. These symptoms can be easy to brush off, but noticing them and getting help can lead to getting early treatment before you face a health crisis.
Heavy snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a condition where you stop breathing in your sleep for extended periods. If your snoring gets worse, or if someone in your family has noticed that you stop snoring mid-sleep, talk to a doctor.
Sweat can be another heart disease symptom. If you’re sweaty after exercise, this is normal, but if you’ve started sweating heavily at unexpected times, or more than usual, check with an expert.
When to See a Doctor
In short, the best time to see a doctor for suspected heart disease is as soon as possible. The best way to stay on top of things is to see your primary care doctor regularly and bring up any changes in your health. If your heartburn just won’t go away, if you feel your heart fluttering, or if anything changes in a way that makes you nervous, schedule an appointment with your doctor. If your symptoms are more severe or sudden, or if you’re faint or suddenly short of breath, you should call 911 instead.
Schedule a Heart Health Screening
If you’re looking for a cardiologist in the North Carolina Piedmont region, we’d love to have you at Piedmont Health! We offer a huge variety of affordable medical care, from physical exams to behavioral healthcare. Find a location near you or contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // dan quiet life