1. Snoring
Lots of people snore in their sleep and it’s completely normal. However, if you notice your spouse has been snoring unusually loud, then they may be suffering with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is where you stop breathing during your slumber, which will often increase stress on the heart and result in the increased likelihood of heart disease.
2. Getting exhausted easily
If you feel exhausted from doing simple tasks like climbing the stairs, then you need to call your doctor right away. Now, this won’t be as urgent as if you have always felt wiped out from these tasks, but a call just to be safe still wouldn’t hurt. If it has been a recent shift and a real drastic change to your body, however, it could be a sign of bad internal health.
3. Sweating
Do you find yourself breaking out into a cold sweat randomly, for no specific reason? Go to a hospital! This can be a symptom of many things. For example, it could be something more minute, like a sign that you’re going through menopause, or it could be something much worse- including heart disease!
4. Long-lasting cough
Common cold symptoms often actually don’t consist of an ongoing cough that just won’t stop. Therefore, if you are suffering with a long-lasting cough, then you could be witnessing the early signs of heart disease. Check for white or pink mucus when coughing as this could actually signify heart failure. If you aren’t sure whether the cough is serious or not, get checked by a professional.
5. Swollen legs, feet and ankles
Often people believe that swollen ankles, legs or feet are just a sign of pregnancy or getting older, however this is far from the case. Whilst it can be a symptom of these things, it can also be a sign of heart failure due to heart disease. This is because, when the heart fails to pump fast enough, blood backs up and it can lead to swollen legs, feet and ankles.
6. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain
Of course the majority of the time a person will vomit due to eating the wrong thing or suffering from other diseases, it’s crucial to keep in mind that those experiencing a heart attack will also experience the symptoms of vomiting and nausea. This is according to Charles Chambers, the director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
7. Lightheadedness
If you are suffering with lightheadedness along with other symptoms. like chest discomfort or shortness of breath, then you may be experiencing a heart attack caused by heart disease. Even if not a heart attack, it can be one of the earlier signs of disease, as it prevents blood flow from your heart to your brain as it can’t pump the way it should.
8. Chest discomfort
During a heart attack, the main symptom that people will experience is feeling pain, pressure or tightness within the chest area. If you have experienced such discomfort on a lower level – it could indicate an early sign of treatable heart disease. If this chest pain is prolonged, you need to visit a hospital before it gets worse.
9. Pain that spreads to the arm
It has been reported by previous heart disease sufferers that they will experience pain that starts from the chest and will move through the body to the arms. It is unknown as to why this symptom in the arm occurs, however, since many patients of heart disease have stated the same experience, it’s always best to get this check out.
10. Irregular heart beat
You should take this early sign with a pinch of salt. But, if your heart is beating irregularly, in no particular pattern or frequency, then you should visit a doctor. This is the only true way to find out if this is something more sinister. However, do bare in mind that many conditions like too much caffeine or not enough sleep can cause this sign also.
11. Leg pain
If you feel a gripping or cramping sensation in your calves when you are walking, it could, in fact, be linked to heart disease. This can be an indicator or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and, when this happens, it might be worth getting in touch with your doctor in order to deal with this early on.
12. Back pain
Back pain can be caused by all sorts of different things, and will often have no relation to your heart at all. However, it is something that can be a symptom of heart disease in its earliest stages, or even a possible heart attack if it’s particularly severe. In this case, it’s something that you need to take action over as soon as possible.
13. Jaw pain
In women, it is reported that symptoms vary and can deviate from the classic chest pain that men experience. Many people are not aware that one of the places in which you might experience heart disease symptoms is via jaw pain. If you feel unexpected jaw pain, this could be the symptom of something more sinister.
14. Angina
Angina is characterized by a choking sensation, and this can sometimes present as tightness in the throat. If you are experiencing a persistent restricting or choking sensation, this could be a sign of heart disease, and it’s something that you should look to address by seeking medical advice as soon as possible.
15. Halitosis
Bad breath is caused by bacteria, and this can be something that is damaging for your confidence and social life. According to medical tests, there is a correlation between people with periodontal disease and those with cardiovascular disease. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream through bleeding and diseased gums, which link to inflammation and clogged arteries.
16. Hip pain
Pain in the lower body is one of the biggest symptoms linked to early-stage heart disease. Sometimes this can be related to injuries or arthritis, but blockages in the leg arteries are one of the common forms of heart disease. If large leg arteries are clogged, then it is likely that arteries in the heart might be blocked too.
17. ED
Experiencing erectile dysfunction might be a sign of early onset heart disease. ED is one of the key factors that is linked to blood-flow problems, and this is specifically linked to endothelial dysfunction, in which blood vessels have difficulty expanding and contracting properly. This, in turn, impacts the heart.
18. Vaginal dryness
Blood flow issues are not limited purely to men, and 87% of women with heart disease reported some degree of sexual dysfunction. Lack of libido, vaginal dryness, and a lack of clitoral sensation are some of the key factors that are linked to heart disease. A sensitive issue, but something you need to get checked out by a professional early on.
19. You need to pee more
If you find you need to pee at nighttime more than usual, this could be a sign of heart disease. One of the reasons for this is because a weak heart pumps less blood to the kidneys, resulting in a fluid buildup. This then drains back to the heart when you sleep, giving the kidneys more fluid to filter, and increasing the need to urinate.
20. Xanthomas
Spotting fatty growths is one of the key things that can be linked to heart disease. Xanthomas are lesions that feel like calcium deposits in the tendons, and this typically occurs near the ankles and elbows. The risk of cardiovascular disease is 3x higher in people who have high cholesterol.
21. Depression
According to the World Health Organization, more than 5% of the adult population worldwide suffers from depression. Depression is probably not directly linked to heart trouble, but in certain situations it can be. Studies have shown that people who are depressed are more at risk of suffering from heart problems.
22. Migraines
Headaches come and go, but persistent migraines can also be linked to heart problems. According to the American Heart Association, around two-thirds of migraines occur in women, particularly younger women. So, if you are a young woman suffering from constant migraines, it could be linked to cardiovascular disease and something to get checked out.
23. Extreme pain when you walk
Peripheral arterial disease can impact many areas of your life, and this is something that can cause extreme pain when you walk. PAD is a buildup of fatty plaque in the leg arteries, and this can be linked to heart disease. PAD increases the likelihood that you have a blockage in your heart arteries by around 50%.
24. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can be related to many things but, if you are healthy and you start experiencing shortness of breath, this could be linked to a problem with your heart valves. Fluid buildup on the left side of the heart can cause shortness of breath, so you need to get this checked out.
25. Discomfort
There are a lot of things that you have to think about when it comes to improving your health. General discomfort in your body, in various different forms, is one of the key indicators of heart disease, or other issues more broadly. To find the real cause of the issue, speak to a professional about any discomfort you’re experiencing – and be as specific as possible.
26. Poor blood supply to extremities
Narrowing of the blood vessels that bring blood to other parts of the body, and when this happens it can increase the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol and fatty buildups can block up the walls of your artery, and this can lead to poor blood supply which can cause issues such as strokes.
27. Foot ulcers
There are plenty of things that can cause foot ulcers and sores, but one of the key factors that can cause an issue with this is heart disease. This is definitely something that you need to consult your doctor over, because it could be a symptom that your aorta might be blocked.
28. Toe pain
If you find that you are experiencing pain in your toes for no apparent reason, this is something that could be a sign of heart disease. Specifically, it could be an indicator of aortoiliac occlusive disease. When it comes to dealing with toe pain, you should visit your doctor as soon as you can.
29. Leg hair loss
Now, this might seem like a good thing because getting rid of your leg hair is something a lot of people want. However, leg hair loss is, perhaps surprisingly, something that could be a sign of peripheral arterial disease, which can also result in reduced blood flow.
30. Leg heaviness
Another thing that could be an indicator of heart disease is leg heaviness, and this is something that you need to keep an eye out for as it may go unnoticed at first. If you feel like your legs are heavy and that they feel numb or weak, this could be a sign that all is not well! It’s something you need to get sorted, before it potentially worsens.
31. Heart flutter
Perhaps the most common form of atrial fibrillation is a heart flutter. You need to be aware of the multiple risks associated with this symptom, as it’s often a sign of something more severe. It is often linked to heart disease, and might also put you at increased risk of having a stroke. It’s something to look out for and get treated ASAP.
32. Finding exercise exhausting
It’s normal for exercise to tire you out – often, that’s the whole point! But, if you are a healthy and fit person, feeling a new level of exhaustion after light exercise could be a symptom of a deeper and underlying problem. It could be an undiagnosed congenital heart defect, or something else that could cause you health issues down the line.
33. Confusion
Your brain is linked very closely to your body, and the way in which blood pumps around your body can impact the way your brain functions. Memory and confusion can be caused by changes in the levels of the chemical elements of your blood, and might be a sign of heart disease.
34. Abdominal pain
Chest pain can be an obvious indicator of heart disease, but abdominal pain is also one of the symptoms related to this as well. Be aware of how long the pain lasts, as well how bad the pain is. This might be something that you need to pay attention to, as there is a lot of harmful root causes related to this.
35. Swollen neck veins
Swollen neck veins can be a clear indicator that you are sealing with issues like heart disease. This is because bulging jugular veins typically means that the pressure is uncharacteristically high in the upper right chamber of the heart. This is something that can lead to a range of health conditions, including heart problems, and is something you need to deal with as soon as possible.
36. Panic attacks
There are a lot of things that can link to heart disease, and the symptoms of having a panic attack are linked very closely to having a heart attack. They have very similar physical sensations so, often, people don’t realise how sinister their anxiety can be. If you are experiencing this then it is important to seek immediate assistance to get help either way!
37. Fainting
A ruptured aorta can cause a lot of health issues and problems, and one of the main ones is fainting. If you have started to faint seemingly randomly, or you might have blacked out for a reason that you’re unclear about, it is important to make sure you get this checked out as soon as possible.
38. Slow heart rate
Slow heart rate can be a symptom that all is not well with your heart health. Known as bradycardia, slow heart rate presents a number of health concerns. If you have a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute, then you need to make sure you get it seen to as soon as you can.
39. Excessive thirst
Feeling thirsty is a perfectly normal reaction for your body to help maintain fluid balance. However, in some cases, excessive thirst can be caused by fluid restriction, which is linked to heart failure. I you find yourself excessively thirsty regularly, this is something that you might need to get checked out.
40. Tight throat
Having a tight sensation in your throat that feels constrictive, and prevents you from being able to breathe easily could be a symptom of heart disease. If this is something that is severe and persistent it might be symptomatic of a heart attack, and will require immediate and decisive action.
41. Yellow-coated tongue
According to science, normal looking healthy tongues should be pale red with a pale white coating. In patients who have experienced heart failure issues, the tongue is usually a darker red, and has a yellow coating; the appearance tends to grow worse as the heart issues become more pronounced.
42. Iron deficiency
For some time now, studies have shown that iron deficiency is linked to heart disease. Iron deficiency anemia develops when the body is lacking the volume of iron to produce the necessary red blood cells. If you are experiencing heart problems, iron deficiency is something that is going to worsen symptoms.
43. Malabsorption of nutrients
Malabsorption of nutrients is something that occurs when the body experiences difficulty digesting or absorbing the nutrients from food. You may feel as though you’re eating more healthily but feeling even worse than before! This is a condition that can have a negative impact on your heart health, and might lead to long-term heart disease issues.
44. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERD, as it is known for short, is a chronic condition where stomach acid leaks into the esophagus and irritates the stomach lining, causing issues like heartburn. Typically this is pretty harmless, except that in some cases, people with GERD are more likely than other people to end up with heart disease issues.
45. Hashimoto’s disease
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause an array of different health issues, notably hypothyroidism. This can result in poor heart function, as well as contributing to high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which plays a role in cardiovascular disease.
46. Weakened immune system
A weakened immune system is something that can link to heart disease, and this is because of the cholesterol crystals trigger the release of molecules from the immune system, which cause inflammation and injury to the blood vessels, and lead to heart problems.
47. Bad body odor
Body odor is a natural thing, and changes to body odor can happen for a number of reasons. It is, though, something that could actually be linked to heart disease, and this is because sweating can be one of the key factors related to a heart attack. Pay attention to your body odor and make sure you consider this as a possible symptom.
48. Excessive hair shedding
There are a few things that could contribute to hair loss, and one of them, surprisingly, is heart disease. According to some medical experts, the hormonal changes that occur during hair loss include dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can cause inflammation, a key factor in heart disease.
49. Clubbed nails
Your fingernails can actually tell you a lot about your health situation. If you notice signs of clubbed nails, where the nail curves under at the tip of the finger, could indicate heart disease. This is something that you should try to get checked out if you are concerned about it.
50. Low pain threshold
Whilst it is believed that a high pain threshold in some cases can link to heart attacks, low pain threshold can also be linked. According to studies, low pain tolerance is associated with an increased risk of coronary angiography, as well as long-term heart health difficulties.
51. Poor appetite
Poor appearing is also something that can be a symptom of heart disease. The reason for this is because it can result from an accumulation of fluid in the digestive system, and this accumulation, also known as edema, is one of the most common symptoms of heart failure.
52. Blood in the stool
Blood in the stool can be alarming at the best of times, and one of the main factors that could be linked to this is heart disease. Patients who have (or do) experienced heart failure are more at risk from gastrointestinal bleeding. Blood in the stool is always something that you need to get checked out by a medical professional.
53. Histamine intolerance
Histamine intolerance is characterised as a disorder in which the body is unable to metabolise ingested histamine effectively. There are a lot of issues that can be linked to this, and one of the biggest is that is contributes to cardiovascular disease and can cause long-term heart problems if left untreated.
54. Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a challenge in and of itself, but what’s worse is that it is believed to contribute to the risk of heart disease as well. It is debated among the medical community, but some believe that the long-term inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease could contribute to clogged arteries, and thus increased risk of heart disease.
55. Vitamin deficiencies
Vitamins are a key part of improving your health on a day to day basis. But, what’s more, they might be key to your long-term heart health as well. Evidence suggest that lower vitamin D levels link to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as being associated with things like hypertension.
56. Brittle nails
Brittle nails can be linked to a number of different things, but one of them would be the result of Omega-3 deficiency. This is something that can be linked pretty closely to heart disease, and that is why you need to consult a medical professional if you feel like you have particularly brittle nails.
57. Hormonal imbalances
Hormones play a big role in many elements of your health and well-being, and they influence the cardiovascular system. Hormonal imbalances, such as irregular periods, can contribute to heart disease, so this is something that you should be looking to address.
58. Constantly feeling cold
Feeling constantly cold all the time could be an indicator that you are experiencing heart disease, particularly in the extremities. The reason this happens is because the body is circulating most of the blood available to the brain and other vital organs in order to compensate for the heart’s inability to pump blood around the entire body.
59. Invasive candidiasis
Invasive candidiasis is an infection caused by a type of fungus known as candida, and this is something that can link to heart issues. This is a serious condition that can impact a lot of areas of the body and health, including heart health problems.
60. Heartburn
Heartburn can be caused by a lot of different events, and this is something that tends to happen after meals. Whilst heartburn is not necessarily linked to heart disease, it can, on occasion, be linked. It can cause issues like angina, and plays a role in heart disease.
61. Low libido
Cardiovascular problems can diminish libido and sexual enjoyment. The reason for this is because faulty circulation reduces the amount of blood that reaches the sex organs, and this can cause ED problems for men and vaginal lubrication problems for women. Blood circulation problems link to cardiovascular problems.
62. Difficulty gaining weight
There could a number of reasons for experiencing difficult gaining weight, and one of the key elements here is something called cardiac cachexia, which results in weight loss and muscle wasting. This is something that is linked to heart failure and comes with other tell-tale symptoms, such a fatigue.
63. Difficulty losing weight
Weight gain can be caused by a number of different treasons, but one of them is linked to heart health problems. People who suffer from heart disease will experience extra fluid in the body, which can wind up causing weight gain. This is something you need to take action over as soon as you can.
64. Muscle weakness
Muscle weakness is also something that can relate to heart disease, due to alteration in the skeletal muscle metabolism. According to studies, patients suffering chronic heart failure have shown an increased prevalence of loss of muscle mass and muscle function, so this is something you need to get treatment for.
65. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a less common symptom that can also link to heart disease. Whilst most diarrhea is caused by a wide range of other things, look out for conditions that combine chest pain and diarrhea, such as Whipple disease and campylobacter-associated myocarditis, as these can be indicators of heart failure.
66. Chronic hives
Whilst chronic hives do not necessarily directly link to heart disease, they are related to certain other things that can increase the risk of heart problems. For instance, chronic hives can be caused by stress and autoimmune diseases, both of which can impact the heart long-term.
67. Anxiousness
Anxiety over some things from time to time is perfectly normal, and nothing to worry about. However, chronic anxiety can be a symptom of heart disease, and might lead to heart-related conditions, such as high blood pressure and tachycardia, and this is something you will need get treated for your own health and happiness.
68. Sensitivity to temperature changes
A normal and consistent body temperature is due to a balance between heat production and heat loss, and a sign of a fully functioning heart. If you are experiencing heart failure problems, this can impact your body’s thermoregulation and make your more sensitive to temperature changes.
69. Sensitive to certain medications
We all know that using medications have certain side-effects, and being sensitive to certain medications can be a sign of heart disease. For instance, some blood pressure medications increase the risk of heart failure because they cause you to retain water and salt, making it tougher for blood to flow.
70. Olfactory deficiency
Olfactory deficiency is characterised by a sensitivity to smells, particular chemicals and fragrances. There is accumulating evidence that this is linked to heart disease, and poor olfaction is believed to be linked to higher mortality rates from cardiovascular disease among older Americans.
71. UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can happen for a few reasons, but they are certainly linked to heart disease problems. The reason for this is because the infection can cause inflammation, which affects the circulatory system, and the heart. The good thing is that UTIs are very easily treatable.
72. Osteoporosis
According to studies, thin and brittle bones are strongly linked to heart disease in women. This is believed to be because people who suffer from osteoporosis also tend to have atherosclerosis, which is a hardening and narrowing of the arteries, resulting in increased risk of heart-related conditions.
73. Mood swings
We already know that anxiety and depression can be symptoms of heart disease, and mood swings are definitely linked as well. Mood swings over a long time period can cause physiologic effects, such as reduced blood flow to the heart, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart problems.
74. Sour taste in the mouth
According to some sources, one of the less common signs of a heart attack can be characterised by a sudden sour taste in the mouth. Whilst this kind of taste can be a sign of indigestion, it can also be linked to myocardial infarction, and this is a symptom you need to be aware of.
75. Stress
The thing about stress is that it causes the body to produce high levels of the steroid hormone cortisol, as a response to dealing with stress. Studies suggest that these high levels can contribute to a variety of heart problems, including things like high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as triglycerides.
76. Dry eyes
Dry eyes are typically caused by a number of issues, such as a high blood pressure, which can be linked to heart disease. According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, dry eye disease is associated with retinal microvascular dysfunction, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
77. Dark circles under eyes
Usually dark circles under the eyes will be nothing more than a symptom of a poor night of sleep, however, sometimes they can indicate heart problems. In some cases the discoloration of the skin under the eyes may be a sign of heart disease, so this is something you should see your doctor about, if you have concerns.
78. Pale complexion
Changes in blood pressure can lead to pale skin, and this can be an indicator of heart problems. Your blood pressure should be constant for a healthy and fully functioning heart, so a pale complexion might suggest that all is not well. What’s more, people often look pale prior to a heart attack, according to health experts.
79. Bruising easily
Bruising easily can be a sign that you are suffering with ascites, a build-up of fluid in the abdomen. Ascites can be caused by a number of factors, including congestive heart failure, so this is something that you need to look out for if you are bruising too easily.
80. Chronic dry mouth
Dry mouth can be caused by many factors, and is an uncomfortable condition to be experiencing. It is also one of the possible symptoms of a heart attack and other possible heart conditions too, and this is particularly true if it is combined with heist pains as well.