Top 7 Early Signs of Heart Disease You Should Never Ignore
Heart disease has quietly become one of the biggest health concerns today. It is the most common cause of death globally. In 2022, an estimated 19.8 million people died due to cardiovascular diseases, accounting for around 32% of all deaths worldwide. 1 What makes heart disease especially worrying is that it often develops slowly, without obvious signs, until it demands attention. The good news? Understanding how it starts, what increases the risk, and how we can care for our hearts can make a real difference.
Let us read this short article to learn everything about heart diseases, their types, and how we can take good care of our most precious organ. Let’s begin!
What are Heart Diseases?
The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. Its most common type is CAD – coronary artery disease, a condition where the arteries get narrow and may lead to a heart attack.
Heart disease can also affect your heart muscle, valves or electrical system. Therefore, it may result in severe problems such as heart failure, cardiac arrest, stroke and organ damage. The only good thing we can tell you is that healthy habits, medicines and certain procedures can help prevent or treat CAD and other heart diseases.
Would you like to know about other types of heart diseases besides CAD? Read on!
Types Of Heart Disease
Heart disease types include:
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms disrupt the heart’s normal, coordinated beating.
- Heart valve disease: Valves that are narrowed or don’t seal properly interfere with smooth blood circulation.
- Cardiomyopathy: A thickened or stiff heart muscle struggles to pump blood effectively.
- Heart failure: The heart becomes too weak to meet the body’s ongoing demand for blood and oxygen.
- Congenital heart disease: Structural heart defects present at birth affect normal blood flow.
- Pericardial conditions: Inflammation or stiffness of the protective sac around the heart puts pressure on it and affects its function.
Now let’s get to the signs and symptoms (if visible) of heart diseases, in general.
Symptoms Of Heart Diseases
1. Chest Discomfort or Pain
It refers to any sort of discomfort experienced in any part of your chest. It is the most commonly recognised symptom of heart disease, but it may feel different from person to person. It may show up as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or a dull ache rather than sharp pain.
If you’ve been experiencing chest discomfort lately and it keeps recurring, then it’s time you pay attention and take it seriously. Consult a doctor immediately.
2. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, also known as Dyspnea, refers to the feeling when you can’t get enough air into your lungs. It is not because you climbed stairs, walked short distances, or maybe you’re out of shape. Sometimes, it’s about your heart that’s struggling to pump blood efficiently. This affects the oxygen delivered to the body and thus, makes breathing more difficult than usual.
3. Unusual Fatigue
Everyone feels tired sometimes, but persistent or unexplained fatigue can be an early red flag of heart disease. You may feel drained after minimal effort or struggle to complete everyday tasks that once felt easy. Some of the common fatigue symptoms include tired eyes and legs, stiff shoulders, boredom, impatience and many more.
4. Pain in the Neck, Jaw, Shoulder, or Arm
Heart-related pain doesn’t always stay in the chest. Discomfort may diverge to the left arm, neck, jaw, shoulder, or even the upper back. This kind of pain can feel like soreness, heaviness, or pressure rather than sharp pain.
If such discomfort appears suddenly, especially alongside chest tightness or breathlessness, seek medical help immediately.
5. Irregular Heartbeat or Palpitations
Occasional heart flutters can happen due to stress, caffeine, or lack of sleep. But frequent palpitations, a racing heart, or a feeling that your heart is skipping beats could indicate an underlying heart condition.
When irregular heartbeats are accompanied by dizziness, weakness, or chest discomfort, they should never be ignored.
6. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Swelling in the lower body may seem harmless, but it can be a sign that the heart isn’t pumping blood effectively. When circulation slows down, fluid can build up in tissues, causing noticeable swelling — especially in the legs, ankles, and feet.
If swelling persists, worsens, or appears suddenly, it may signal heart failure or other cardiovascular concerns.
7. Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Frequent dizziness, fainting, or feeling lightheaded can occur when the heart fails to supply enough blood to the brain. This may be due to abnormal heart rhythms, narrowed arteries, or weakened heart muscles.
These episodes should never be brushed aside, especially if they occur repeatedly or without a clear reason.
Conclusion: Taking Care of Your Heart Starts Early
Heart disease doesn’t appear overnight. Paying attention to early signs and keeping track of your heart health can go a long way in preventing serious complications later.
This is where timely health checks matter. LifeCell Diagnostics’ Ayushman Hypertension Care is designed to help detect potential risks early and support better heart health management- especially for individuals with high blood pressure, existing symptoms, or a family history of heart disease.
Suitable for adults aged 18 and above, it’s a simple step towards staying informed, proactive, and in control of your heart health, before concerns turn into health issues!