Heart Disease: Warning Signs Everyone Should Know

For over a hundred years, heart disease has been the leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. Interestingly, the symptoms often emerge subtly, not just as the dramatic chest pain many expect during a heart attack.

“Heart disease continues to be the primary cause of death, yet numerous individuals either don’t notice early warning signs or confuse them with minor issues,” explains Dr. Tina Shah, a cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. “Identifying symptoms early on can lead to prompt treatment, significantly improving survival rates and minimizing long-term heart damage.”

Treatment for heart health involves managing risk factors related to heart attacks and cardiovascular issues. But what exactly are these risk factors?

“To name a few: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar (diabetes), chronic inflammation, high stress, tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and a family history of heart disease,” Dr. Lu Chen, a cardiac electrophysiologist, notes.

Your doctor can help assess your personal risk for heart attacks and disease. If any of these factors sound familiar, it’s vital to pay attention to the common red flags associated with heart failure and attacks.

Here are some often overlooked symptoms that cardiologists advise never to ignore, regardless of known risk factors.

Key Heart Disease Symptoms to Watch For

“Shortness of breath—especially during activities that you previously found easy, like walking upstairs or doing daily tasks—can signal heart issues,” warns Dr. Aye Thandar Win, a cardiologist at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix.

You might think that shortness of breath points to lung problems, but it’s important to remember that the heart is connected to overall oxygen supply.

“Shortness of breath typically indicates that either the heart or lungs aren’t meeting the body’s oxygen requirements,” Dr. Chen explains. “A heart attack can impede blood flow to heart muscles, leading to inadequate oxygen supply and, consequently, shortness of breath.”

Despite the concerning data that highlights shortness of breath as a common reason for hospitalization among those experiencing heart failure, many still underestimate this symptom. Dr. Shah points out that it can develop gradually and be blamed on stress, aging, or simply being busy. Many individuals hold on to the perception that heart attacks are sudden life-or-death situations, dismissing more subtle signs, which can delay care.

Dr. Win agrees, saying Hollywood’s portrayal of dramatic heart attacks doesn’t help public understanding.

“Many people experience symptoms, like shortness of breath, days or even weeks prior to a serious event,” Dr. Win notes. “Often, they just ignore or rationalize these symptoms. There’s also the fear of overreacting or bothering a doctor if symptoms fluctuate.”

Taking Action: What to Do About Shortness of Breath

If you experience shortness of breath, it’s important to know that this isn’t wasting a healthcare provider’s time. Dr. Win advises taking the following steps:

• Stop the activity and rest.
• Contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Seek emergency help if the shortness of breath is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest discomfort or dizziness.

“If breathing becomes unusually challenging or feels alarming, call for emergency medical assistance immediately,” Dr. Win insists.

This advice is applicable regardless of whether you know your risk factors or not.

“Heart disease can arise unexpectedly, and symptoms like shortness of breath may be the first indication,” Dr. Shah adds. “It’s wise to discuss persistent symptoms with a healthcare professional, especially if they hinder your activities.”

While shortness of breath might not directly signal a heart attack or failure, it warrants investigation. Dr. Chen points out that there are many causes, such as asthma or pulmonary embolism, some of which might not have traditional heart disease risk factors.

Ultimately, “When in doubt, it’s better to seek help than to wait it out,” emphasizes Dr. Shah.

Other Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Besides shortness of breath, there are other signs one should be aware of when it comes to heart attacks. Dr. Win lists additional symptoms to look out for:

• Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
• Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, shoulder, or arm
• Lightheadedness or fainting

It’s also important to note that not everyone experiences typical chest pains, especially women or older adults.