January 10, 2021 AH Admin Community Health Leave your thoughts

Sometimes, we experience health issues and shrug them off without giving it a second thought – being tired, for example. While sometimes fatigue can be attributed to a poor night of sleep here and there, did you know that it’s also a common warning sign of heart disease? If you have an undetected heart problem, make sure you know the risk factors for heart disease before you’re faced with a major issue, like a heart attack.

Recognizing the Signs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 female deaths are linked to heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the deadliest disease worldwide, accounting for 1 in 3 deaths overall. Part of the problem is that despite the risk, many people simply don’t know the signs of heart disease (or that several of its symptoms can be treated). 

Here are a few of the most common heart problem symptoms that might signal a bigger problem:

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea, a treatable sleep condition, occurs in about 25% of men and 10% of women. With it, your snoring is broken up by pauses in your breathing, which could mean the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. This signals your blood vessels and heart to work harder to maintain blood flow, which can then increase your chances of having high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, a stroke or even heart failure.

A Discolored Bumpy Rash

Commonly found around the knuckles of your fingers and toes and/or on your bottom, a raised rash that’s yellow or orange in appearance can be a sign of heart trouble. The rash could be the result of severely high triglyceride levels, which can harden your arteries and put you at risk for multiple heart-related complications, including cardiac arrest.

Loss of Grip Strength

Believe it or not, the ability to grasp objects well is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, according to research. That said, improving this skill in and of itself won’t necessarily improve your heart health.

Dark Spots Under Nails

Your nails can tell you so much about your diet and health – including, potentially, if you’re at risk for heart disease. Dots of blood under a nail, often appearing like dark spots, could be an indicator of endocarditis, which is an infection in the lining of your heart or valves. These dots are also commonly found in those with diabetes, a condition that brings with it a two-to-four-time greater likelihood of heart disease and/or stroke.

Dizziness

Feeling lightheaded is always a cause for concern, especially because it typically means your heart isn’t pumping enough blood to your brain. Specifically, it could be a warning sign of an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, or heart failure. Although it’s not as well-known of a symptom, dizziness can also be a sign of a heart attack.

Sexual Dysfunction

When you’re having trouble in the bedroom, it could actually be a warning sign of heart disease. That’s because circulation problems and narrow arteries can both contribute to erectile dysfunction, a decreased libido and other blood-flow issues.

Changes in Skin Color

If you experience a change in skin color, make an appointment to see a cardiologist for their medical opinion. Different forms of discoloration point to different root causes. Having blue or grey extremities, for example, is a common sign of a heart murmur. When cholesterol plaques break off and get trapped in small blood vessels, they can form a lace-like purple pattern. Endocarditis is often accompanied by bloody splotches below the skin’s surface on your palms or the soles of your feet. 

Bleeding Gums

Although it’s not certain how, cardiology studies have shown an apparent link between gum disease and heart disease. In particular, bleeding, swollen or tender gums – and the bacteria associated with them – could be a sign of heart problems and a higher chance of stroke.

Dark Skin Patches

Often velvety in texture, these thick spots known as acanthosis nigricans are usually found in skin folds and creases. A few of the most common areas are the neck, armpits and groin. They’re a result of the body having trouble using the hormone insulin, like those associated with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. If you spot these patches, seek medical attention to control your blood sugar and help protect your heart.

Difficulty Breathing

If a task used to be easy, but now you find yourself catching your breath afterwards, it could be a sign of heart problems, from heart failure to an abnormal heart rhythm or a heart attack. The same goes if you’re struggling to breathe while lying down, which could point to a leaky heart valve. If you have this symptom combined with chest pain, call 911 for emergency medical help.

Swelling in Lower Legs

From long flights to pregnancy, many people experience swelling in the lower legs at some point in their lives, but it’s important to put the symptom in context. Fluid build-up in this area can be a result of poor circulation in your legs, heart failure, or a clot that’s blocking blood from returning to the heart. If you notice sudden swelling at any time, call your doctor immediately for help.

Fatigue

Yawning more than usual? The underlying cause might not be poor sleep. When your heart isn’t pumping well enough to meet your body’s needs, as found in heart failure, it can leave you feeling exhausted. This warning sign is often joined by coughing and swelling, but it can also be a symptom for several other conditions, from anemia to depression.

If you’re experiencing one or more of these heart-related symptoms, we recommend being seen by a medical professional to ensure there aren’t underlying heart issues present. The team at Avail Hospital is always here to keep you at your healthiest – come by 24/7/365 so we can help determine the cause and set you up with an appropriate treatment plan.