6 Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Heart You Should Never Ignore

Cynthia Awad wrote in “The Republic”:

Although the entire body depends on the heart, it is often difficult to know if it is suffering from a specific defect. In fact, the early signs of an unhealthy heart can be vague like fatigue, related to something else like heartburn, or completely unrelated to the heart as in the case of gum problems.

Like any other organ in the body, the heart needs oxygen in the blood to be supplied through a channel of arteries. If an artery is blocked or there is a demand on the heart to work extra hard when it can’t, the result is poor blood flow and oxygen to the rest of the body. Thus, side effects can appear in various parts of the body, since the heart is the basis of health and the engine of the body.

And cardiologist Satjit Bosri, from New York City, stressed, “The need not to wait for a heart attack to occur, but to pay close attention to any strange symptom that may indicate that the heart needs specific care.”

Here are the most prominent signs of an unhealthy heart that necessitate urgent consultation with a doctor:

Snoring: Many people snore from time to time, but regular and loud snoring is a sign of sleep apnea. This problem is among the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including promoting heart attacks and strokes. Sleep apnea can lead to an irregular heart rate and high blood pressure, which puts extra stress on the heart.

Legs hair loss: Hair loss is often a normal part of aging. However, hair loss in the legs in particular may be a sign of peripheral artery disease or poor circulation caused by plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet. This problem increases the risk of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Fatigue: It’s easy to assume that low energy is the result of a hectic lifestyle, but the problem could come from the heart. When the heart muscle or valves begin to fail, the latter may be sluggish and the symptoms may be very mild, such as fatigue. In the event that you feel tired despite getting enough hours of sleep, this may be a red flag.

Shortness of breath when climbing stairs: When you are unable to tolerate exercises or perform daily activities, such as climbing stairs, this is evidence that the heart is not in a good condition, because it cannot pump blood effectively throughout the body. Shortness of breath and exercise intolerance can indicate a number of heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or heart valve problems.

Regular dizziness: Poor circulation makes it difficult for enough blood to reach the brain and inner ear that maintain balance. If the heart is unable to pump blood to where it needs to go, the person may feel dizzy or even faint.

Pain, burning, or tightness in the chest: Blockages in the arteries of the heart may appear slowly in the form of vague pains in the chest, arm, neck, and back. You should beware of such symptoms, especially when you notice them during any sport or effort.

Bleeding gums when brushing teeth: If simple brushing and flossing causes bleeding gums, it may indicate gingivitis or gum disease. But for the heart, periodontitis has been linked to higher systolic blood pressure and poorer blood pressure control in people taking medications to reduce high blood pressure.