08/01/2026
Warning Signs of Heart Disease
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, yet many people do not recognize the early warning signs until it is too late. At BVHCM, we emphasize awareness and early detection so our clients can act promptly and safeguard their heart health.
1. Chest Discomfort or Pain
One of the most common and classic warning signs of heart disease is chest pain or discomfort. This can feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness in the chest and may spread to the shoulders, neck, arms, or back. It is often a symptom of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, commonly seen in conditions like coronary artery disease and angina. If you experience persistent or unexplained chest pain, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation immediately.
2. Shortness of Breath and Fatigue
Heart disease can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or even at rest.
Fatigue may be a sign of heart trouble when:
· You feel much more tired than normal. It's common for women to feel severely tired before or during a heart attack.
· You feel so tired that you can't do your normal daily activities.
· You have sudden, severe weakness.
3. Irregular Heartbeat or Palpitations
Many heart conditions are associated with arrhythmias — when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Palpitations may feel like fluttering, skipping, or pounding in the chest. While occasional palpitations can happen without heart disease, frequent or prolonged irregular heartbeats should prompt a check-up with a cardiologist.
4. Dizziness, Lightheadedness, or Fainting
Feeling dizzy, faint, or like you’re going to pass out can be a sign that your brain is not getting enough blood. This might happen when your heart is beating too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. These signs should never be dismissed, especially if they come with chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations as they can indicate serious cardiac issues or impending events.
5. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Persistent or unexplained swelling in the lower extremities (legs, ankles, feet) can be an indicator of fluid buildup due to poor heart function. This is commonly seen in heart failure, where the heart cannot pump blood adequately, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues.
6. Additional Subtle Signs
In addition to the major symptoms above, other less obvious indications may include:
· Excessive sweating (cold sweats) without exertion,
· Nausea or stomach discomfort that may mimic indigestion,
· Unexplained weakness or sudden loss of normal energy. These may sometimes precede more severe events such as heart attacks, especially in women and older adults.
✅When to Seek Help?
Early detection and rapid action save lives. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or call emergency services immediately. Heart-related issues can escalate quickly, and timely medical care makes a critical difference in outcomes.
Recognizing the warning signs of heart disease empowers you to take action before serious complications arise. BVHCM Medical Concierge Service recommends regular health screenings especially if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, family history, or obesity. Early awareness and intervention can improve heart health and long-term quality of life.
