Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death in the world, with nearly 18 million cases per year according to the World Health Organization. It is worth mentioning that not all heart problems are severe. Many signs appear silently, easily confused with common disorders. According to Dr. Shuvanan Ray, a cardiology internist, factors such as age, heredity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and prolonged stress all increase the risk of heart dysfunction. Early recognition of warnings can help patients receive timely treatment.
10 warning signs not to ignore
The first and most common signs are discomfort or chest tightness, a feeling of pressure, and suffocation in the middle of the chest.
Second, irregular heartbeats, too fast or too slow occur frequently.
Third, pain spreading down to the arm, especially the left arm, may be related to a heart attack.
Fourth, feeling of choking in the neck or angina, such as being pressed by an object.
Fifth, indigestion or abnormal stomach pain, a common symptom in women with heart disease.
Sixth, prolonged dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath.
Seventh, swollen ankles or toes, signs that the body is retaining water due to the heart pumping blood ineffectively.
Eighth, extreme fatigue, no improvement even after fully resting.
Ninth, loud snoring accompanied by hoarseness at night may be related to sleep apnea syndrome, increasing the burden on the heart.
Finally, persistent cough with white or pink phlegm, reflecting fluid retention in the lungs due to heart failure.
Professor John McMurray, a cardiology expert at the University of Glasgow, UK, said: "Heart failure often progresses silently. Early detection and lifestyle adjustment can significantly slow down the progression of the disease.
Proactively prevent early
Regular health check-ups help detect early risk factors such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and diabetes. Experts recommend maintaining a balanced diet, exercising at least 150 minutes per week, getting enough sleep and controlling stress. Listening to the body, not ignoring small signs is the key to protecting the heart for a long time.
