Signs of heart disease may show up unexpectedly. But these clues should lead you to your doctor’s office.

By: Gregory Yost, D.O., interventional cardiology, Geisinger

Bleeding gums may not seem like a serious issue. But if it becomes chronic, you might be surprised to hear that it can be a clear warning your heart isn’t working as it should.

While pressure or tightness in the chest and a rapid, irregular heartbeat are primary signs of heart disease, there are other symptoms that can be less obvious — yet just as dangerous. 

And ignoring these subtle signs of heart disease can lead to serious heart trouble, like a heart attack or stroke.  

Identifying all signs of heart trouble and then responding to them is key to help prevent heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Even if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to get a symptom checked out — especially if you have risk factors for heart disease. Preventing heart disease is an important step in living a long, healthy life.

6 subtle signs of heart disease

Chest pain that may radiate to the neck, jar or arms, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and numbness set off alarm bells that will send most of us straight to the doctor’s office. But not all heart problems come with clear warning signs.

If you have some of these lesser-known signs of heart disease, don’t wait to contact your provider. Waiting puts you at higher risk for a serious heart event to occur.

Exhaustion and weakness

While exhaustion alone isn’t a sign of heart disease, chronic exhaustion and weakness can be, especially if you’re getting sufficient rest.

Your energy levels are directly related to blood flow and oxygen levels. A healthy heart constantly pumps oxygen-carrying blood through your body. But if there are underlying problems with your heart, it might not work as efficiently. 

As a result, you may begin to feel tired after routine activities — or even confused. Because oxygen isn’t reaching your muscles and brain as it normally does, weakness and fatigue become obvious.

If you’re often feeling exhausted and weak, even with sufficient rest, consult with your healthcare provider to find a cause.

Swollen feet

Swollen feet are a more subtle sign of potential heart concerns. In fact, your socks and shoes can make it difficult to notice your feet are swollen in the first place.

But why would your feet swell if you have heart problems? Because your heart regulates blood flow, and slow blood flow can cause pressure to build up in your legs, leading to edema. 

Edema is the buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues. Typically, edema related to heart problems can be seen in the legs and feet. Any sign of heart failure or reduced function is serious, so talk to your doctor if you notice swelling in your feet.

Dizziness, light-headedness, and shortness of breath

Slow blood flow and low oxygen levels in the brain and lungs can lead to feeling dizzy, light-headed and short of breath. And it’s especially important to notice if you have these symptoms without rigorous activity.

If activities, like going up the stairs or going about your daily life, consistently make you dizzy or out of breath, don’t ignore them. Dizziness and being out of breath are both examples of your body telling you that you need more oxygen.

Migraines

Migraines are intense headaches that are bad enough on their own. Some research suggests migraines with auras may be linked to heart problems, but more studies are needed on the connection between these health issues.

If you have migraines with auras, take note of any new changes in symptoms of your headache. Newly developed weakness in your arms during a migraine could be a sign of heart disease.

Swollen and bleeding gums

Swollen or bleeding gums may not be the biggest indicator of heart health, but studies show a possible correlation. 

Recent research has revealed that your mouth can show your heart health. In fact, some of the same bacteria found in your mouth can be found in your heart. So, if you have high levels of bacteria and swelling in your mouth, it’s wise to get your heart checked, too.

While the relationship between heart health and oral health isn’t clearly understood, consistent swollen and bleeding gums could be a sign of heart issues. 

Sweating

Sweating while exercising is normal. Breaking out in a sweat while watching TV is not. We sweat to keep our body temperature at a regular level. So, why would you sweat when you aren’t active or it’s not hot outside? 

Heart failure makes pumping blood more difficult, so your heart must work harder. When your heart struggles to pump blood consistently, it generates heat. To compensate, your body starts sweating to keep your body temperature normal. If you’re having serious episodes of sweating when you shouldn’t be, talk to your doctor. 

Many of these symptoms alone aren’t signs of heart disease, but chronic issues can be or at least a sign of an underlying condition. It’s a good idea to get regular checkups — and live a heart-healthy lifestyle — to take the pressure off.

Heart disease risk factors

All these subtle signs are even more important to report if they’re combined with other heart disease risk factors, such as if you: 

• Are overweight or obese 
• Smoke, use drugs and alcohol
• Have a high level of stress
• Eat a diet high in sodium and saturated fat
• Don’t exercise regularly
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Have diabetes

If any of these heart disease risk factors apply to you, talk to your doctor to create a heart health plan. Awareness is the first step in managing your heart health. While genetics do play a role in heart disease, there are risk factors that can be reversed by taking the proper steps and precautions. 

Left untreated, heart disease can cause a heart attack — when blood flow is severely reduced to the heart. Watch for the subtler symptoms that can indicate a possible heart condition. If you have them, be sure to tell your healthcare provider.

When you bring these issues to their attention earlier, they can screen you for heart disease — and plan to keep your ticker going strong for the long haul.

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