Your heart works tirelessly to keep you going, but are you paying attention when it signals for help? Many heart conditions develop silently, with subtle warning signs that are easy to overlook. Recognizing early symptoms can be the difference between early intervention and a serious medical emergency.
If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them—your heart may be telling you something important.
5 Early Warning Signs of Heart Problems
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
One of the most well-known signs of heart trouble is chest pain, but it does not always present as a sharp, severe pain. Many people describe it as:
- A tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation
- A burning or aching feeling
- Pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
While chest pain does not always mean a heart attack, it should never be ignored, especially if it occurs during physical activity or stress.
2. Shortness of Breath
Feeling winded after climbing stairs or exercising can be normal, but sudden or unexplained shortness of breath could indicate an underlying heart issue. The heart and lungs work together to supply oxygen to the body, and if the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, you may feel breathless even while at rest.
If you notice difficulty breathing along with chest discomfort, dizziness, or swelling in your legs, seek medical attention urgently.
3. Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded occasionally may not be a cause for concern, but frequent episodes could signal a problem. Causes may include:
- Low blood flow to the brain due to heart disease
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
If dizziness is accompanied by fainting or chest pain, it could indicate a more serious cardiac issue.
4. Unusual Fatigue
Everyone feels tired from time to time, but extreme or persistent fatigue—especially if it interferes with daily activities—could be a warning sign of heart disease.
- If you find yourself exhausted after simple tasks like walking to the mailbox or making the bed, your heart may be struggling to pump blood efficiently.
- Sudden, unexplained fatigue, especially in women, is a common early warning sign of a heart attack.
Pay attention to changes in your energy levels and discuss them with a specialist if they persist.
5. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Fluid retention (edema) can occur when the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities. This can lead to:
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
- A feeling of tightness in shoes
- Unexplained weight gain due to fluid buildup
If swelling is persistent or accompanied by other heart-related symptoms, it may indicate heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions.
Expert Cardiology Care in Cambodia: The Bumrungrad-Intercare Collaboration
For patients in Cambodia, accessing world-class cardiology care is now easier than ever. The Bumrungrad-Intercare collaboration brings expert heart care closer to home while ensuring seamless access to advanced treatment when necessary.
Key Benefits of This Collaboration:
- Direct consultations with Bumrungrad’s expert cardiologists at Intercare Hospital.
- Early detection with convenient access to diagnostic testing.
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
- Seamless referrals to Bumrungrad for specialized procedures when required.
This collaboration bridges the gap between accessibility and high-quality cardiology care, reducing the need for travel while maintaining exceptional treatment standards.
Don’t Ignore the Signs—Act Now
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Early detection can prevent serious heart conditions and even save your life.
Book a consultation with a specialist at Intercare today.
View the cardiologist schedule at Intercare here: https://bhx.one/Dn8S6y
Your heart health is in your hands—listen to it and take action now.