Are These Symptoms Indicating A Serious Heart Illness?

In our fast-paced lives, we often tend to ignore many symptoms that may indicate an underlying ailment. Although some symptoms may be similar to those of common cold, flu or viral infection, some might indicate issues related to the heart and other vital organs. Therefore, here are a few symptoms you need to have an eye on.

Our heart is the key organ in the circulatory system pumping oxygenated blood to various organs. People mostly ignore or are not aware of the symptoms of an approaching heart attack or cardiac ailment. With an increasing prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle, monitoring heart health becomes even more essential. Hence, one should be aware of the newly observed symptoms and complications that signal towards an unhealthy heart.

1. Chest Pain
   Chest pain is one of the most common signs of an approaching cardiac ailment and is one of the many overlooked signs these days. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, burning, tightness, or pain in the center of the chest should be reported to the doctor. Many times these symptoms are confused with gastritis and heartburn.
2. Snoring and Interrupted Sleeping Patterns
   Snoring and sleep-related problems like insomnia and sleep apnea, a disorder where breathing gets disrupted while you sleep, have a direct link with heart diseases and other cardiovascular ailments.
3. Shortness of Breath
   Unexplained shortness of breath while doing small amounts of physical activity, at rest or while sleeping (that can wake you up) may indicate an underlying cardiac ailment. Women are more likely to suffer/report shortness of breath when dealing with heart troubles.
4. Fatigue
   Waking up tired, restless and noting higher blood pressure levels in the morning, signals towards an unhealthy heart. Though, one should get a clinical assessment done for ensuring a clear diagnosis.
5. Sweating Profusely
   Sweating more than usual or without any physical activity, especially if one is not exercising or being active -- can be an early warning sign of an approaching heart-related ailment. If someone is sitting and suddenly starts sweating profusely, it could be a sign of an oncoming heart attack.
6. Irregular Heartbeat
   An irregular heartbeat or more formally known as "arrhythmias", is a condition where the heart doesn't pump blood at its normal rhythm. Anyone who is relatively healthy and still has an irregular heartbeat also indicates a chronic heart condition.
7. Jaw Pain
   Pain in the chest and upper arm area is what most people typically associate with heart problems. However, pain in the neck or jaw is a potential point of angina -- pain or discomfort when the heart lacks oxygen-rich blood. Women are more likely to exhibit these symptoms than men, but if the symptoms persist it is advisable to consult a doctor.
8. Persistent Cough
   A persistent cough is not always a sign of a heart problem, as it's a common symptom of various other common illnesses like cold, flu, and bronchitis. But a never-ending cough can be a sign of fluid building up in the lungs, which signals congestive heart failure.
   When the heart isn't able to pump efficiently, blood can back up into the veins that take blood through the lungs. When there is excessive pressure in these blood vessels, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs. Hence, an unending cough can be caused by the irritation and fluid in the lungs, which is similar to what can cause shortness of breath.

With the current lifestyle patterns, it is very important to monitor your heart health. There can be various hidden symptoms contributing towards an unhealthy heart, hence a timely diagnosis and an active lifestyle should be given attention to. The above-mentioned symptoms can be a few of many symptoms denoting an approaching heart ailment, as a reason being aware towards your own health and consulting for timely clinical interventions become essential.

(Mukesh Goel, Senior Consultant, Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi)

(IANS)