Heart Problems – 8 Shocking Signs

Heart Problems

Heart problems can surface as some rather surprising signs. Research show that patients often experience symptoms weeks or months before a heart attack. When the heart begins to take strain symptoms begin arising all over the body. Many of the symptoms are overlooked as being related to other causes. Yet in many cases heart health is to blame. Early diagnosis gives you the best chance of successful treatment.  Here are ten signs that your heart health needs attention.

1. Heart Problems & Sexual Issues

Heart Problems
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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a early sign of progressive heart disease. Yet this is not commonly known by most sufferers. ED happens are a result of the narrowing and hardening of the arteries supplying blood to the penis. Any patient who suffers from ED is at cardiovascular risk. Heart problems can also cause sexual stimulation problems in women. The reduced blood flow to the genitals caused by heart problems makes arousal difficult. It can also prevent a woman from reaching a climax. Men between the ages of 40 and 49 suffering ED are twice as likely to contract heart disease. If you have problems with your sexual health you may need to ask for heart tests as they are not always supplied. It is best to have your heart checked if you have any sex related issues.

2. Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Heart Problems
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Loud snoring is the result of breathing restrictions, which is linked to cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea is the condition where breathing stops for a moment during sleep. Both these conditions are clear indicators that cardiovascular problems are possible. People suffering sleep apnea are at three times the risk of having a heart attack within five years due to the strain on your heart. These conditions form from a  lowered oxygen supply caused by obtrusion’s. This causing the heart to make the lungs pump harder and thus increases the risk of a heart attack occurring. Specialized sleep apnea masks are available for sufferers. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks are necessary for sleep apnea sufferers. Without treatment his condition can result in damage to the right hand side of your heart.

3. Sore, Swollen & Bleeding Gums

Heart Problems
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Studies have shown that painful gums are possible signs of cardiovascular problems. While bacteria causes the exposure, the inflammation  can be a sign of heart disease. Many forms of periodontal disease are the direct result of poor blood circulation. Thus showing underlying heart problems. There is also a link between periodontal disease bacteria and plaque within coronal arteries. Many believe this to be a result of the body’s reaction to extended periods of inflammation.

4. Swollen Legs or Feet

Heart Problems
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If your ankles, wrists, feet or fingers are swollen or puffy, you may have heart problems forming. If your socks leave indentations taking long to go away, you may have fluid retention issues. Fluid retention problems are a frequent sign of cardiovascular issues. Edema is the term for this condition, which is quite prominent among Americans yet it often goes untreated. Issues arising from edema include heart failure, coronary artery disease and a range of other cardiovascular diseases. Over 80 million people around the world suffer cardiovascular complications thus resulting in the death of over 900,000 people every year.

5. Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)

Heart Problems
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An irregular heartbeat is a key sign that your cardiovascular system is experiencing problems. It feels as if you hear has skipped a beat, often beating too fast and pounding too hard. In most cases of irregular heartbeat coronary artery disease (CAD) is the underlying cause. CAD causes a restriction of the blood flow to your heart. Heart failure can also cause arrhythmia’s. This is due to a weak heart working harder than it is capable of. If you suffer from an irregular heartbeat it is critical that you go for an EKG due to the high risk you fall under. It will measure the electrical activity of your heart. and the regularity of your heartbeat therefore revealing whether your heart function is healthy.

6. Aching or Constriction of Your Chest or Shoulder

Heart Problems
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Angina pectoris is the most frequent sign of coronary heart disease. This appears as a penetrating ache, which at times feels like a weight on the chest. This pressure is different from the sharp pain triggered by a heart attack. At times the heaviness is at times mistaken for indigestion or heartburn.  Tightness, pressure and pain can also appear in your shoulder, jaw or neck. Angina pain will reappear after it subsides thus revealing that it is not another condition. The constant reappearance is the factor that tells it apart from strained muscle pain. Men and women are at about equal risk, with men having slightly higher rates of angina. Angina forms due to the build up of plaque within your coronary arteries. The early onset of this condition is often spurred by strenuous activity but the pain can arise without a trigger as well.

7. Shortness of Breath from Heart Problems

Heart Problems
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Shortness of breath is a symptom that many overlook due to not understanding the severity. Yet this is  one of the first signs of heart problems developing. If you notice an irregular compression when breathing you may need to have your heart checked. Shortness of breath can show either heart disease or lung disease. You should experience no discomfort when taking a deep breath. Studies have shown that 90% of all women experiencing heart attacks had irregular symptoms yet no diagnosis takes place. These symptoms first arose weeks, and at times months, before the attack took place. Forty percent of these patients had a shortness of breath leading up to their heart attack. Problems with your breathing always need diagnosis by a medical professional. It is a sign of more serious underlying problems needing treatment for your best health due to the possible severity.

8. Persistent Cough

Heart Problems
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If you have a cough that just doesn’t want to go away you may have underlying heart problems. This is due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Fluid accumulation common symptom of heart failure and thus should be treated immediately. A persistent cough is often a sign of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, thus if you experience any trouble breathing which appears to be caused by fluid, contact a physician. A cough can be triggered by many different conditions, but if fluid is the cause the matter is serious.