Strange Signs of Heart Trouble
By Sara Butler
Your heart is pretty important, but heart issues are also the leading killer of Americans today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the No. 1 killer of women over 35 is heart disease, accounting for 1 of every 4 deaths. Why? Common symptoms of heart disease can go unnoticed by a lot of people, especially for younger women who think they don’t need to be worried. Here are a few of the stranger signs that you may be experiencing heart trouble and need to get to a medical professional STAT!
Strange Sign No. 1: Swollen Ankles or Legs
Your salt intake may not be the only reason you’re feet look like little loaves of bread popping out of your shoes. Leg and ankle bloating (feet too!) can be the result of a number of things and one of them is a heart valve problem.
It’s common for people with congestive heart failure to experience this kind of swelling, but don’t freak out just yet. This kind of swelling will get worse with time and travel up your legs as time goes on. So, if you notice this, then you need to make sure to get it checked out, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got a heart problem.
Strange Sign No. 2: Headaches
If you suffer from frequent headaches, don’t ignore it and just reach for the pain relievers. Severe headaches can be a symptom of some pretty serious issues such as a blood clot or stroke – but it can also be a sign something is going on with your heart.
If you’re experiencing headaches along with fatigue, neck stiffness, and dizziness, and your symptoms come on suddenly, then you need to get medical attention.
Strange Sign No. 3: Exhaustion
This one can be tough to decipher because people tend to lead pretty busy lives that leave them feeling wiped. The kind of exhaustion meant here feels abnormal, especially if it comes on suddenly during activities that didn’t cause you problems before, such as going up and down stairs. This might mean your heart is struggling to keep up with the demands of your body and it’s worth a trip to your doctor!
Strange Sign No. 4: Stomach Cramps
Yes, stomach cramps. Many people think that chest pain is the telltale sign of a heart problem, but the truth is that this pain can happen in your stomach too. If you feel sharp stomach cramping then it might be pain radiating from your heart. Sure, it could just be heartburn or the flu, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.