how do you know if your heart is unhealthy

The heart is undoubtedly one of the most vital organs of the body. Ensuring its good health is of utmost importance for all. Even the slightest of exertion on the body is reflected through the increase or decrease in the heart rate. Your heart is sensitive and it is your basic responsibility to take good care of it. There are certain signs and symptoms that you must be aware of so that you can proactively handle if any problem arises. 

You know you need to take care of your heart when you see any of the following warning signs:

  • Reduced Heart Rate/ Bradycardia

    When the heart rate gets less than 60 per minute, it is an indication of an unhealthy heart. Usually, a slow heart rate or bradycardia is an unavoidable signal for a problem in the heart’s electrical system. The heart’s electrical system is disrupted when the natural pacemaker of the heart is not in proper condition. Along with a drop-down in the heart rate, the amount of blood pumped by the heart also reduces. This further makes the heart show symptoms such as short irregular breaths, lightheadedness, weakness, and low blood pressure. When you face these signs and symptoms, immediately get in touch with a doctor to discuss your condition.

bradycardia

  • Intense Chest Pain/ Angina

There are many reasons relating to chest pain which makes it difficult to find out the actual reason. This condition is so discomforting that it almost feels like stinging or burning in the chest. Angina can continue for a minute or more. One of the most serious causes that lead to chest pain can be a problematic heart condition. Angina occurs when the muscles of the heart do not receive enough oxygen for normal functioning. The pain from the chest extends to the throat and jaws.

Acute chest pain is also seen in the case of a blocked artery in the heart. A blocked artery is a threat that can ultimately lead to a heart attack. Just to ensure that you are in no such danger, take timely actions and get the proper diagnosis done. 

Sometimes, the reason behind the acute chest-pain can be non-cardiac. Hiatal hernia also induces a similar intense pain in the chest as the upper portion of the stomach gets pushed into the lower part of the chest. In such a case, a bulge is observed near the lower chest which disappears on lying down. Discuss your problem in detail with a doctor to receive the right treatment.

  • Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder relating to sleep. When a person’s breathing suddenly starts and stops (irregular breathing), it is called sleep apnea. This symptom should not be left unattended, it is a sign that your body is troubled. Delaying medical treatment for this disorder increases the chances of developing or escalating heart disorders where the pumping power of the heart is affected. It is necessary to detect sleep apnea and get it checked as it is a symptom of other problems relating to ENT as well. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment are highly recommended.

sleep apnea

  • Stroke is a striking signal

When suddenly the blood supply to the brain either stops or is weakened from, it causes a severe headache and numbness in the limbs of the body. This condition is called a stroke. The actual reason behind a stroke is poor blood flow from the heart. It can either be because of a clogged or rupturing of the blood vessel. It is not advisable to take a stroke casually or keep on delaying to seek a doctor. Treating the root cause of a stroke is necessary before it worsens.

  • Sudden Cold Sweats

    Cold sweats are among the common indicators of disruption in normal heart functions. Suddenly breaking into cold sweats is a symptom of a potential heart attack. If this happens to you, accompanied by other signs such as acute chest pain extending to the arm and sudden lightheadedness, immediately seek professional medical help.

    sudden cold sweat

  • Other commonly observed alarming signs that the heart sends out as a loud cry for help are unusual loud snoring, a continuous state of fatigue, intense pain spreading from the chest to jaw or throat.

Why Visit a Specialist Doctor?

visit specialist doctor

Always be careful and maintain a proactive approach to your health. It is advised to get in touch with a specialist doctor as soon as you face any of the aforementioned symptoms. It is necessary to get a proper diagnosis done to identify the actual cause of such symptoms. Sometimes, the symptoms may not be related to a heart disorder alone, there can be various other issues that you are not aware of. As mentioned above, ignoring the symptoms can put you in dangerous health conditions. To live a quality life, carefully tend to the needs of your body to avoid heart issues or any other disorders.

Quick Tips For A Healthy Heart

  • Include healthy food options in your regular diet such as fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. 
  •  Refrain from consuming alcohol and cut down on your intake of sugar or salt.
  • Lose the excess weight that makes you obese and more prone to heart disorders.
  • Quit Smoking to maintain proper oxygen supply to the heart muscles.
  • Ditch the inactive or sedentary lifestyle and engage in healthy physical activities (light exercises and yoga).
  • Keep a check on conditions like excess cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.

As prevention is better than cure, following all these tips will keep your heart healthy and happy. It will keep you far from serious and unhealthy heart conditions. 

 

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