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One person in the U.S. will die from cardiovascular disease every 36 seconds, making it one of the leading causes of death for Americans. Additionally, roughly 655,000 Americans die from heart complications each year — which breaks down to one in every four deaths.
Swelling in the lower extremities
Christine Bishara, founder of the integrative medical practice From Within Medical in New York, said swelling in the lower legs, particularly the ankles and feet, can signify a heart condition. This issue is also known as an edema.
“If your heart loses its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body — either through weakened cardiac muscles or damage to heart tissue from a silent heart attack — blood flow can slow down and get backed up in the legs leading to swelling,” she said.
Shortness of breath
As mentioned, some people won’t experience chest pains when dealing with heart issues. While this can happen to anyone, Bishara said this is particularly true for those with diabetes. Instead, they may experience trouble breathing.
“Because diabetes affects and blunts nerve sensations, [someone who is diabetic] with a serious heart condition may never experience symptoms of chest pain,” she said. “This is why shortness of breath should never be ignored — especially if it’s a new onset.”
Fatigue
A tired feeling that you just can’t seem to shake might be another subtle sign of heart issues, according to Bishara. Especially if it has seemingly come out of nowhere.
“If fatigue symptoms are an acute onset or without any identifiable underlying cause, consult with your doctor,” she said.
Unexplained upper back, left shoulder, or arm pain
Bishara said these pains “should not be ignored, as they also may be signs of a heart blockage or impending heart attack. Back symptoms are frequent in women and may sometimes be the only symptom.” This is particularly true if the pain is random (for example, you didn’t strain something during exercise).
Palpitations that come out of nowhere
The timing of such palpitations matters just as much as the symptom itself. Keep in mind that exercise, caffeine and anxiety can all cause a quickened pulse. However, say you’re sitting down or in another relaxed state and your heart starts racing, that could be a sign that something is wrong. Dizziness and lightheadedness can also be symptoms.
Jaw pain
Cardiovascular issues may manifest as jaw discomfort. Marcus Smith, a physician at CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma, said he has had patients complain about jaw pain that they initially believed to be linked to their teeth. Later they learned it was related to angina, which can be a cardiac issue.
“The nerves that innervate your heart and pick up the sensation of pain are the same nerves that pick up the same sensation for orthopedic issues, gastrointestinal issues, and dental issues; it’s the same distribution of nerves,” he said. “People who have heart issues many times will say they felt pain in their jaw. That’s why no symptoms should be pushed to the side because it could represent a cardiac symptom.”
What you should do if you’re having these symptoms
If you find yourself experiencing any of these issues, it’s best to seek medical care. (If you believe you’re having a heart attack or stroke, definitely call 911.)
Smith said that your doctor will first ask you questions about your lifestyle habits and behaviors to assess your risk factors. From there, you may undergo an exam (or could be referred to a cardiologist) to get a better look at what’s going on.
There are also things you should do outside of your doctor’s office. Suzanne Steinbaum, a volunteer medical expert for American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and cardiologist in New York, recommended taking steps to improve your overall heart health. The first is to keep an eye on your blood pressure. A normal range is at or below 120/80.
“High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke,” Steinbaum said. “Watching your diet and exercise, and incorporating stress management are key components of lowering your blood pressure.”
Cholesterol also plays an important role. For adults, total cholesterol should be around 200 or below (the lower the better). LDL cholesterol (known as bad cholesterol) should be less than 100 for women and men. HDL (the good cholesterol) should be at 40 or higher for men and 50 or higher for women.
“High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke,” Steinbaum said. “When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages. Cholesterol can often be managed with dietary changes, increasing the amount of vegetables, whole grains,and healthy fats in your diet, and reducing the intake of saturated fats and trans fats,” Steinbaum added.
Finally, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight and get regular exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.
“Exercise helps to keep the heart muscle strong and promotes good circulation, which can help prevent cardiovascular disease,” Steinbaum said.
Incorporating these lifestyle changes, while staying vigilant to the subtle signs of heart issues, can help you maintain a healthy heart. If you ever notice any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. Your heart health is paramount, and early detection and prevention are key to living a long, healthy life.