Often, the signs of heart disease are not very dramatic. They do not arrive with blaring sirens but with hushed whispers—signs so subtle that they are easy to overlook.
Most people are aware of the typical symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the feet and ankles.
However, less obvious signs can also signal heart disease.
1. Unexplained Mood Changes
Emotions and the heart share a profound bond, often transcending the realms of metaphor. Mood changes such as persistent anxiety, bouts of depression, or irritability may be more than mental distress.
They could be manifestations of your heart’s diminished capacity to manage stress, due to decreased blood flow or hormonal changes induced by heart disease. It’s important not to disregard persistent emotional disturbances as solely psychological; they might be subtle whispers of your heart’s struggle.
2. Decreased Endurance
We all have our off-days when the usual activities feel like an uphill battle. But a consistent decrease in physical endurance, particularly if you’ve been regularly active, warrants further introspection.
An unexplained reduction in stamina could indicate that your heart is grappling to supply the necessary oxygen and nutrients to your muscles during physical exertion, possibly suggesting the onset of heart disease.
3. Gum Problems
Your oral health is a window to your overall wellbeing, and this holds true for heart health too. Persistent gum problems, such as inflammation, bleeding, or gum disease, could be more than just dental issues.
Studies suggest a correlation between oral health and heart disease, with gum inflammation possibly increasing the risk of heart disease.
4. Puffy or Swollen Eyes
Eye puffiness is typically written off as a symptom of allergies or lack of sleep. However, if you notice chronic puffiness around the eyes, particularly in the mornings, it could suggest fluid retention caused by poor heart function.
This lesser-known sign of potential heart disease often remains overlooked in everyday health discussions.
5. Reduced Appetite or Feeling Full Quickly
Our digestion system is a finely-tuned machinery, and any significant changes could indicate a deeper health issue.
If you notice an unexplained reduction in appetite or a sensation of fullness after eating less food than usual, it might be a sign of heart disease. Advanced heart conditions can interfere with digestion due to decreased blood flow, leading to such symptoms.
6. Sleep Disturbances
Frequent night-time awakenings, particularly to urinate, or difficulty breathing when lying flat, may hint at heart disease.
Sleep apnea—a disorder causing interrupted breathing during sleep—is associated with various heart conditions, making it a crucial symptom to consider.
7. Excessive Thirst
While excessive thirst is usually a sign of dehydration or diabetes, it can also indicate heart disease.
If the heart is not pumping blood efficiently, it could affect your kidneys’ ability to regulate fluids and electrolytes, resulting in an unquenchable thirst.
8. Persistent Skin Rashes or Unusual Spots
Our skin often mirrors our internal health. Persistent eczema or unusual red or purple spots on the skin, known as angiomas, could be subtle signs of heart disease.
Recent research suggests a link between skin conditions like eczema and heart disease, and angiomas may indicate elevated cholesterol levels—a known risk factor for heart disease.
9. Silent Hypertension
High blood pressure, often dubbed the “silent killer,” can exist without presenting overt symptoms, making it a dangerous, unnoticed ally of heart disease.
Regular monitoring is essential, as untreated hypertension can lead to various serious heart conditions, including heart disease.
The language of heart disease is complex, often shrouded in subtleties. Recognizing these lesser-known signs can pave the way to a timely diagnosis and effective prevention.
