Heart disease and stroke are the top causes of death around the world, killing nearly 17.9 million people every year—about 32% of all global deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Most of these deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries, and shockingly, one-third of them occur in people under the age of 70. In the United States, heart disease remains the number one killer. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds, and around 805,000 heart attacks occur each year. While these numbers are alarming, the good news is that heart problems often give us early warning signs—if we know what to look for.
One of the most common signs of heart trouble is chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, heaviness, or a squeezing feeling. This pain may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or stomach and often occurs during physical activity or emotional stress. Interestingly, some people—especially women, older adults, or those with diabetes—may not feel any chest pain at all but instead feel unusually tired, weak, or notice pale or greyish skin. Shortness of breath is another major warning sign, often caused when the heart can’t pump blood properly and fluid builds up in the lungs. This may happen during activity, at rest, or even while lying down or sleeping.
Feeling unusually tired or fatigued can also point to heart problems, especially if you feel too weak to do your regular daily activities. A constant cough or wheezing that won’t go away, especially if it comes with pink or bloody mucus, could also be due to fluid in the lungs. Frequent urination at night—called nocturia—can be another subtle sign of heart failure, as lying down allows fluid to move from the legs into the bloodstream, leading to more urination. Changes in skin color, like a bluish or purplish tint in normal temperatures, may signal poor blood flow due to blocked vessels.
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You might also notice swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, lightheadedness or dizziness, or an irregular heartbeat that feels too fast, too slow, or like it’s skipping beats.
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These symptoms may seem small or easy to ignore, but they can be signs that your heart is in trouble. Many heart conditions begin with mild symptoms that worsen over time. Paying attention to your body and getting medical help early can make a big difference. If you or someone you know experiences any of these signs, don’t wait—speak to a doctor right away. Taking action quickly can save your life and help keep your heart healthy.
