Signs You Have a Heart Problem That Needs Evaluation

It isn’t always possible to prevent heart trouble, but you can pay attention to signs that may point to the need for a heart health evaluation. Acting quickly to get checked out ensures that issues are detected as early as possible.

Nearly 1 million people in the US die of heart disease each year. It remains the leading cause of death among men and women, and symptoms of heart trouble aren’t always obvious. When it comes to your heart, knowing the signs that something is amiss, and getting a prompt evaluation could save your life.

The team at Carolina Heart and Leg Center is here to help you safeguard your heart health. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, controlling risk factors, and getting regular heart health checkups provide a good foundation for taking care of your heart health.

Early signs of heart trouble are often subtle. In this post our team discusses some of the clues to look out for that may signal it’s time for a heart checkup.

Chest discomfort or pain

Always investigate chest pain or discomfort that fails to fully resolve on its own. This isn't always dramatic, clutch-your-chest pain. Sometimes, it's persistent chest pressure, a squeezing or fullness in the center of your chest.

If this discomfort lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back, it's time to get it checked out. This could signal reduced oxygen flow, a sign of coronary artery disease or other heart-related issues.

Shortness of breath

Finding yourself feeling winded after very little physical exertion or even when you aren’t being active at all is a red flag. Shortness of breath can indicate various issues with the heart, such as heart failure, a condition where your heart struggles to pump blood efficiently.

This symptom is also linked to issues like thickening of the heart muscle. If you notice difficulty breathing during activities that used to be easy, consider it a signal to get a heart checkup.

Irregular heartbeats

An occasional heart flutter is often harmless. However, if you frequently experience palpitations — a sensation of your heart racing, thudding, or fluttering — it's a sign that requires evaluation.

These can be symptoms of arrhythmia, a condition where your heart beats irregularly due to electrical signal issues. While some arrhythmias aren’t dangerous, others require treatment to prevent more serious issues.

Extreme fatigue

Feeling unusually tired all the time, especially if the fatigue worsens after physical activity, is a sign that something is wrong. Unusual fatigue is common in the days or weeks leading up to a heart attack. It can also be a symptom of heart disease.

If performing routine tasks leaves you exhausted, it's worth discussing getting a heart checkup.

Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet

When your heart doesn't pump blood effectively, fluid can accumulate in your body, leading to swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. This symptom, known as edema, can signal issues like heart failure. If you notice unexplained swelling. it's essential to come in for an evaluation.

Listen to your body. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed here, don't hesitate to seek medical evaluation. Contact us at our office in Fayetteville, North Carolina, today to schedule a heart checkup.