7 Early Signs of Heart Disease You Should Never Ignore

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States according to the CDC with one person dying from it every 33 seconds. Yet many people fail to recognize its early warning signs. Detecting heart disease in its initial stages can mean the difference between manageable treatment and life-threatening consequences. Understanding these early signs and acting on them quickly can help you protect yourself and those you care about from heart disease.

Below we will look at seven early signs of heart disease to help you know what to look for in your own health and when you need to act by talking with your primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP).

One of the most common early signs is chest pain or discomfort, often described as a heaviness, pressure, or squeezing sensation. While it's easy to associate chest pain with heart attacks, milder forms of chest discomfort, called angina, can signal an underlying heart disease.

Angina occurs when there is not enough blood flow to your heart muscle which could be caused by narrowed arteries, a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD). You should pay close attention to chest discomfort, especially if it happens during physical activity or stress. Get immediate medical care if your chest pain does not go away, is a crushing pain or pressure in your chest, or it is accompanied by nausea, sweating, dizziness or shortness of breath.

If you find yourself struggling to catch your breath even during light activities, such as walking up the stairs or doing household chores, it can be a sign your heart might not be working as well as it should.

Your heart and lungs work together to deliver oxygen to your entire body. When heart disease compromises your heart's ability to pump blood effectively, your lungs might not get the oxygen they need causing shortness of breath.

If you are experiencing excessive or unexplained fatigue, it can be a symptom of heart problems. Research shows that women often report feeling unusually tired in the weeks or months leading up to a heart issue.

Fatigue might happen because reduced blood flow makes it harder for your heart to meet your body's energy demands. If you're constantly exhausted, even after a good night's sleep, don’t ignore it but instead make an appointment with your doctor or APP to investigate it further.

Unexplained swelling, or edema, in your legs, ankles, or feet could be a sign of heart disease, specifically heart failure. When the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, blood can pool in your lower extremities, causing swelling.

Edema is also linked to fluid retention caused by poor blood circulation, another significant sign of heart disease. Pay attention and talk to your doctor or APP if your swelling persists or comes with other heart-related symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

Occasional heart palpitations or feeling like your heart skips a beat or races for no apparent reason can be triggered by stress, dehydration or excessive caffeine. However, if they persist or happen without an obvious cause, it might be a sign of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or other heart rhythm disorders. Early detection of AFib is key as it increases your risk of stroke and heart failure.

Do you often feel nauseous or lightheaded, like you’re about to faint? These symptoms can sometimes indicate reduced blood flow to the brain, a result of underlying heart issues. Though they can be easily mistaken for other conditions, such as indigestion or dehydration, frequent episodes require medical attention.

While chest pain is a well-known sign of heart problems, discomfort in other areas like the arms, neck, jaw or back can also be indicators of heart disease. This type of pain may radiate outward from the chest and is often overlooked or misattributed to muscular strain. It is important to notice these symptoms and seek immediate help if they come with nausea, cold sweats, or shortness of breath as they are warning signs you could be having a heart attack.

If you're experiencing any of the signs above, whether they’re mild or severe, it's essential to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or APP immediately to discuss them. Early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease can prevent complications and help save your life.

While heart disease can feel intimidating, knowledge is a powerful tool. By recognizing its early warning signs, you can take action before it's too late. Remember that small changes today can add years to your life tomorrow. Stay informed, stay proactive and take care of your heart.

*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.