Strange palpitations, fatigue that does not pass, shorts short without reason … What if your heart was trying to warn you? Too often, clear signals are ignored, until the day it is too late. A British cardiologist, Dr. Ameet Bakhai, lists the ten symptoms to take seriously without delay.
Chest pain: more than just discomfort
This is the symptom that we immediately think of when we talk about heart attack. But this pain does not always manifest itself suddenly. It can be felt as a tightness, a weight or a burn, sometimes located on the left of the chest. This type of pain requires immediate attention, especially if it occurs at rest or during moderate effort.
Speaking at the slightest effort
Going up two floors, walking quickly or even speaking can become difficult for no apparent reason. If you run out of breath without having run a marathon, this may indicate heart failure or coronary arteries disease. Dr. Bakhai recalls that a healthy person should be able to retain his breath twenty seconds without discomfort.
Persistent and unexplained fatigue
We rarely associate fatigue in the heart, and yet. When it struggles to circulate the blood, the whole body turns idling. As a result, a feeling of heaviness as soon as it wakes up, a sudden drop in energy, even after a full night. This type of exhaustion is not normal and deserves a rapid medical assessment.
Dizziness, discomfort or fainting
Repeated dizziness or a loss of knowledge, even brief, can translate a heart rate disorder. Arrhythmia or some valvulopathies can disrupt blood circulation in the brain. The body launches an alarm signal. To ignore these discomforts is to take an unnecessary risk.
Unusual palpitations
Feeling your heart beat loudly, quickly or irregularly, unrelated to stress or effort, must alert you. These palpitations can be the sign of atrial fibrillation, a common but serious form of arrhythmia. When they become frequent, it is essential to talk to your doctor about it.
Legs, ankles or inflating feet
An abnormal and regular swelling of the lower limbs, without reason such as heat or a long standing station, may indicate water retention. This phenomenon is frequent in cases of heart failure. It testifies to a heart that can no longer ensure a good venous return.
Pain in jaw, neck or arm
In some people, including women, the pain of a infarction is not located in the chest. It can radiate in the jaw, neck or left arm. These signs are often misinterpreted, delaying care. If they suddenly appear and are accompanied by other symptoms, help have been called.
Excessive and sudden sweating
Sweating with large drops without physical activity or heat is unusual. If this is accompanied by chest pain or discomfort, it may be a sign of heart attack. Dr. Bakhai recommends never trivializing an unexplained cold sweat, especially in the middle of the night or at rest.
Sleep disturbances
Sleep apnea does not only cause fatigue. It also increases the risk of hypertension, arrhythmia and heart failure. If you often wake up with the impression of suffocating or you feel constantly exhausted in the morning, it’s time to talk to your doctor about it.
Unusual nausea or indigestion
In women, these signs can go unnoticed. However, sudden digestive pain, nausea or vomiting can announce a heart attack. When these symptoms appear without clear food and persist, you must consult in an emergency.