The Single Biggest Sign Your Heart Is in Trouble, Says Science

Heart disease, a term used to describe several different types of heart conditions, is not only common, but incredibly fatal. “Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death in the US, accounting for over 850,000 deaths per year,” interventional cardiologist Shon Chakrabarti, MD, explains to Eat This, Not That! Health.

Fortunately, there are a variety of signs, symptoms and risk factors that can help identify heart disease before it becomes life-threatening. Here are 50 of them, courtesy of several top cardiovascular experts across the world. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had Coronavirus.

1

You Have Transient Chest Pain

Woman touching breast and having chest pain after long hours work on computer

Woman touching breast and having chest pain after long hours work on computer

If you have been experiencing chest pain for some time, you should get it checked out. “Sometimes, although not always, a heart attack can be preceded by transient chest pain in the preceding hours, days or weeks,” explains Rachel Lampert, MD, a Yale Medicine cardiologist. “Don’t ignore symptoms of chest pain!”

2

You Have a Persistent Cough or Wheeze

Young Business Man Sneezing. Coughing Into His Sleeve or Elbow to Prevent Spread Covid-19. Corona Virus

Young Business Man Sneezing. Coughing Into His Sleeve or Elbow to Prevent Spread Covid-19. Corona Virus

The AHA warns that your bad cough could signify more than a cold. If your persistent cough produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus—which means fluid has been building up in the lungs—it could be due to heart failure. (Note: a dry cough is also a symptom of COVID-19. Call your doctor if you’re experiencing one.)

3

You Experience a Sudden Onset of the Sweats

Close-up Of A Woman With Hyperhidrosis Sweating Very Badly Under Armpit

Close-up Of A Woman With Hyperhidrosis Sweating Very Badly Under Armpit

According to a study courtesy of the University of Illinois at Chicago, excessive sweating while experiencing discomfort in their chest, arm, neck or jaw—with little or no exertion—it could be the onset of a heart attack.

4

Your Skin Has a Blue or Purple Net-Like Pattern

woman worrying about her skin

woman worrying about her skin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a blocked artery can often manifest itself in the form of a blue or purple pattern on your skin. Cholesterol embolization syndrome, which occurs when small arteries become blocked, which can lead to damaged tissues and organs. If you notice this net-like discoloration, you should contact your physician.

5

You’ve Caught the Coronavirus

Doctor nurse in protective face mask listening to breath with a stethoscope suspecting Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Doctor nurse in protective face mask listening to breath with a stethoscope suspecting Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Scientists are still studying how COVID-19 affects the heart but “Up to 1 in 5 hospitalized patients have signs of heart injury,” according to Scientific American. “In addition to lung damage, many COVID-19 patients are also developing heart problems—and dying of cardiac arrest.”

“Someone who’s dying from a bad pneumonia will ultimately die because the heart stops,” Dr. Robert Bonow, a professor of cardiology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and editor of the medical journal JAMA Cardiology, told the publication. “You can’t get enough oxygen into your system and things go haywire.”

If you’ve had coronavirus, talk to your doctor about how it affected your heart.

6

You Have High Blood Pressure

checking blood pressure

checking blood pressure

High blood pressure is one of the main symptoms of heart disease. “Cardiologists now treat high blood pressure when it is greater than 130/90—and definitely if it’s 140/90,” Dr. Nancy Luo, MD, heart failure and heart transplant Cardiologist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group in Sacramento, California, says. “If your blood pressure is consistently higher than 150/90, you likely need more than lifestyle changes.”

Stroke, kidney disease, and heart disease are all impacted by high blood pressure, according to Dr. Chakrabarti. “Often high blood pressure is present alongside the other risk factors for heart disease,” he explains. “Management of high blood pressure is holistic, including lifestyle changes, and in some cases, pharmacotherapy.”

7

You Have Indigestion

stomach pain

stomach pain

Heart disease has the stereotype of being a “man’s disease,” points out Giuseppe Aragona, MD, Family Medicine Doctor and medical advisor at Prescription Doctor. It can unfortunately go misdiagnosed in women. One of the reasons is because women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Although chest pain and shortness of breath are common symptoms in both genders, others are almost unique to women. One of these is indigestion, he reveals.

8

You Have Recurrent Angina

Man With Heart Attack

Man With Heart Attack

Dr. Nancy Luo, MD, heart failure and heart transplant Cardiologist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group in Sacramento, California, explains that recurrent angina—chest pain or discomfort when your heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood flow from blocked arteries—can be an early warning of a future heart attack.

9

You Have High Cholesterol

medical device for measuring cholesterol with stethoscope on the table.

medical device for measuring cholesterol with stethoscope on the table.

High cholesterol is a direct symptom of heart disease. “Measuring your cholesterol can help determine whether lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of heart disease,” says Dr. Chakrabarti. “This can be achieved with a blood test that measures total cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.”

10

You Have Heartburn

woman suffering from pain in throat, touching her neck, empty space.

woman suffering from pain in throat, touching her neck, empty space.

Similar to indigestion, heartburn—a painful or uncomfortable feeling in your chest or throat—can be a common symptom for women who have heart disease, explains Dr. Aragona.

11

You Have Lockjaw

man isolated on gray background touching his face and closing eyes with expression of horrible suffer from health problem and aching tooth, showing dissatisfaction

man isolated on gray background touching his face and closing eyes with expression of horrible suffer from health problem and aching tooth, showing dissatisfaction

Dr. Aragona points out that another common symptom of heart attack in women is lockjaw—which is pain in the jaw.

12

You Have Back Pain

Tired millennial office worker stretch in chair suffer from sitting long in incorrect posture, male employee have back pain or spinal spasm working in uncomfortable position

Tired millennial office worker stretch in chair suffer from sitting long in incorrect posture, male employee have back pain or spinal spasm working in uncomfortable position

According to Dr. Aragona, women are more likely than men to experience back pain during a heart attack. The Mayo Clinic adds that women tend to have symptoms more often when resting, or even when asleep, than men. So, pay attention to your body at all hours of the night.

13

You Have Chest Pain

Portrait of casual 50s mature Asian man heartburn, pressing on chest with painful expression, sitting on sofa at home, medicines and water on table.

Portrait of casual 50s mature Asian man heartburn, pressing on chest with painful expression, sitting on sofa at home, medicines and water on table.

Chest pain is the most common and important symptom related to a heart problem, explains Ross Simpson, MD, PhD, cardiologist and professor of medicine in the UNC School of Medicine. “This symptom is often described as a tightness in the chest, or a fullness in the chest,” he says. “Only rarely is the chest pain sharp like a knife.” He adds that it may be associated with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or a feeling of impending doom. It may come on with exercise, last several minutes and be relieved by rest. “Persistent pain lasting more than 5 minutes, or pain coming on at rest, waking someone from sleep, or a change in pattern of intermittent pain demands immediate medical attention.”

14

You Have Shortness of Breath

woman doing asthma crisis at home in the living room

woman doing asthma crisis at home in the living room

Breathing fast or feeling that you are not getting all the air needed may be associated with chest pain, but may occur at other times. “Shortness of breath while lying flat or shortly after lying down at night may be a sign of fluid retention and a weak heart,” Dr. Simpson explains. It might also be a sign of coronavirus, so contact your doctor.

15

You Have Skipped or Rapid Heartbeats

ekg ecg heart test with stethoscope

ekg ecg heart test with stethoscope

If you are experiencing skipped or rapid heartbeats—either in the chest or neck and may occur while resting or at any time during the day—it could be a sign of heart disease, according to Dr. Simpson. “If these occur with exercise, awaken one from sleep, or are associated with dizziness or shortness of breath, prompt medical attention is necessary,” he explains.

RELATED: Simple Ways to Avoid a Heart Attack, According to Doctors

16

You’re Passing Out

Young woman, blond hair, fainted in bed.

Young woman, blond hair, fainted in bed.

Another sign of heart disease? If you faint. “The sudden loss of consciousness, particularly if falling has caused head or other injury, may be a medical emergency,” warns Dr. Simpson.

17

You Have Edema

edema of leg and foot

edema of leg and foot

Edema, aka swelling in the feet or unusual fullness in the abdomen, may be a sign of heart weakness and fluid retention. “This sign is generally not an emergency, but should be reviewed by a doctor to understand its cause and have it treated,” Dr. Simpson explains.

18

You Have Heart Palpitations

ECG electrodes on the patient. In hospital

ECG electrodes on the patient. In hospital

The sensation of fluttering or rapid beating in your chest can be a sign of an abnormal heart rhythm, explains Christopher Kelly, MD, cardiologist with North Carolina Heart&Vascular at UNC REX Healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Get checked out if (1) the sensation happens at random times, unrelated to stress or physical exertion, and lasts for more than a second or two, or (2) the palpitations are associated with shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness,” he suggests.

19

You Have a Slowed Heart Rate

The heart rate monitor

The heart rate monitor

According to the American Heart Association, Bradycardia is a heart rate that’s too slow. What’s considered too slow can depend on your age and physical condition, but is generally fewer than 60 beats per minute for adults.

Woman fainting during exercise at home/

Woman fainting during exercise at home/

If you can’t keep up with the others in your exercise class, it’s possible that you’re just out of shape. But it could also be a sign of a heart problem, like heart failure or a blocked coronary artery, explains Dr. Kelly. “Consider getting a stress test to better quantify your exercise tolerance and look for any signs of heart strain,” he says.

21

You Have Heart Failure

Another major symptom of heart disease is heart failure, according to the CDC. It occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to support other organs in your body. While it is a serious condition, it does not mean that the heart has stopped beating. Symptoms include shortness of breath during daily activities, having trouble breathing when lying down, weight gain with swelling in the feet, legs, ankles, or stomach, or generally feeling tired or weak.

22

You Have Swelling in Your Legs

Tired woman touching her ankle, suffering from leg pain because of uncomfortable shoes, feet pain wear high heel shoes

Tired woman touching her ankle, suffering from leg pain because of uncomfortable shoes, feet pain wear high heel shoes

If your heart is pumping with its usual vigor, blood will get backed up in the veins, and fluid will leak into soft tissues. The swelling typically follows the force of gravity and is worst in the feet. But, as the swelling progresses, it can climb to the legs or even hips, adds Dr. Kelly. “Fluid accumulation can also be a sign of kidney or liver problems, or of blood clots,” he says. “If you notice significant, new-onset swelling, get checked out right away.”

Woman with an ear massage

Woman with an ear massage

Heart disease can manifest itself on your earlobes! “Believe it or not, diagonal creases in the earlobes have been associated with an increased risk of a heart attack,” Dr. Kelly reveals. While doctors aren’t sure of the exact reason, he points out that it may be related to abnormal connective tissue.

Mature athletic man getting out of breath while feeling pain during morning run in nature.

Mature athletic man getting out of breath while feeling pain during morning run in nature.

If your calves start hurting whenever you start hustling, and feel better when you rest, you could have diseased arteries in your legs, says Dr. Kelly. “This condition, known as peripheral arterial disease, is strongly associated with heart disease,” he states.

Unhappy couple not speaking to each other on bed at home in the bedroom

Unhappy couple not speaking to each other on bed at home in the bedroom

Having trouble in bed? It could have to do with your heart. “If you struggle to get an adequate erection and have risk factors for heart disease—like diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol values—you could have disease in the arteries of your pelvis, which is strongly associated with disease in the arteries on the heart,” says Dr. Kelly.

woman hypermobile hand bending wrist and thumb

woman hypermobile hand bending wrist and thumb

If you’re a tall adult with long arms and extra flexible joints, you could have Marfan’s disease, according to Dr. Kelly. “This genetic condition affects connective tissue and can cause heart problems, such as rips in the main artery that conveys blood from the heart to the rest of the body,” he says.

RELATED: 7 Tips You Must Follow to Avoid COVID, Say Doctors

27

You Have A Feeling of Impending Doom

Troubled African American Man

Troubled African American Man

Feeling more depressed than usual? Laurence Gerlis MA, MB, CEO&Lead Clinician at SameDayDoctor, explains that a feeling of impending doom can be your body’s natural response to serious illness—including heart disease.

28

You Notice Cholesterol Deposits in the Skin and Around the Pupils of the Eyes

Middle aged caucasian man with blue eyes pulls at lower lid with one finger

Middle aged caucasian man with blue eyes pulls at lower lid with one finger

If you notice any cholesterol deposits—soft, flat, yellowish lumps—around your eyes, it is likely your cholesterol is high, explains Dr. Gerlis.

29

Your Waistline is Expanding

Woman measuring waistline

Woman measuring waistline

Your expanding waistline is obviously a symptom of weight gain—a predisposing factor to heart disease, reminds Dr. Gerlis.

30

You’re Drinking Too Much

A couple makes a toast with two glasses of whiskey

A couple makes a toast with two glasses of whiskey

If you drink more alcohol than recommended (“up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men,” says the CDC), you could end up with more than a bad hangover. Dr. Gerlis reminds that the more you drink, your chances of heart disease increase.

Woman Covering Her Ears With Pillow While Man Snoring

Woman Covering Her Ears With Pillow While Man Snoring

If you are experiencing trouble sleeping or are suffering from sleep apnea, Dr. Gerlis points out that it could be a sign of poor heart function. Make sure to call your doctor and have it checked out immediately. A simple at-home sleep test can determine whether you have sleep apnea, and can be promptly treated.

32

You Have Pain or Discomfort in the Arms or Shoulder

Senior lady is demonstrating suffering from ache

Senior lady is demonstrating suffering from ache

The American Stroke Association explains that there is a significant link between heart disease and stroke. This is due to the fact that several types of heart disease are risk factors for the “brain attack,” which occurs when blood circulation to the brain fails. Interestingly enough, a stroke is also a risk factor for heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, experiencing pain or discomfort in one or both arms is one of the main signs you are having a heart attack.

33

You Have Arm Weakness

Young girl with pain in the elbow

Young girl with pain in the elbow

The American Stroke Association points out that arm weakness or numbness may signify a stroke. “Ask the person to raise both arms,” they suggest as a test. “Does one arm drift downward?” If yes, seek medical help immediately.

34

You Experience Nausea or Lack of Appetite

Tired African-American man having headache after hard day, feeling exhausted

Tired African-American man having headache after hard day, feeling exhausted

According to the AHA, a feeling of being full or sick to your stomach can be a sign you are experiencing heart failure. Why does this happen? They explain it is due to the digestive system receiving less blood, causing problems with digestion.

35

You Have Difficulty With Your Speech

Concerned aged mother and adult daughter sit on couch having serious conversation

Concerned aged mother and adult daughter sit on couch having serious conversation

Another key sign of a stroke is slurred speech, per the ASA. This can come in the form of being unable to speak, or simply difficult to understand. “Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like ‘the sky is blue,'” they suggest as a test. If they have trouble repeating it, call 911 immediately.

36

You Have Confused, Impaired Thinking

Middle age man with grey hair thinking, concerned and nervous with hand on chin

Middle age man with grey hair thinking, concerned and nervous with hand on chin

If you notice that someone suddenly seems confused or is having trouble processing thought—as in memory loss or feelings of disorientation—it could be due to heart failure per the AHA. Why does it occur? It could be due to changing levels of certain substances in the blood, such as sodium.

37

You Have Facial Drooping

woman having problem with Bell's Palsy/Facial Palsy, hand holding her face

woman having problem with Bell’s Palsy/Facial Palsy, hand holding her face

Another symptom of a stroke, per the ASA, is facial numbing or drooping. If the person in question has a hard time smiling, you should get them help ASAP.

38

You Could Have No Symptoms at All

tired unkempt woman lying on he couch at home.

tired unkempt woman lying on he couch at home.

Sometimes, a person has a heart attack with little or no symptoms. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent—meaning the damage is done, but the person is not aware of it.

39

You Have Seizures

Brain wave on electroencephalogram EEG for epilepsy

Brain wave on electroencephalogram EEG for epilepsy

Seizures are a very rare symptom of heart disease. According to research, they may indicate underlying cardiac rhythmic disorder, and can occur in both men and women of all ages.

40

You’ve Had a Heart Attack

An ambulance speeding through traffic at nighttime

An ambulance speeding through traffic at nighttime

One of the most obvious symptoms of heart disease is suffering a heart attack. According to the CDC, a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. The longer that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart muscle. How do you know if you are experiencing one? They describe the symptoms as “chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath.” Keep reading for a detailed explanation for each of these!

41

Your Age is a Factor

Senior man with pain on heart in bedroom

Senior man with pain on heart in bedroom

Yes, even your age can be a symptom of heart disease. “Heart attack risks increase as you get older,” Dr. Luo states.

42

Your Medical History is a Factor, Too

senior woman and doctor hands with clipboard meeting in medical office

senior woman and doctor hands with clipboard meeting in medical office

While not exactly a physical symptom, one indicator of heart disease is simply if it is part of your medical history. “If you have a long history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking, your risks of a heart attack will increase,” points out Dr. Luo.

RELATED: If You Feel This, You May Have Already Had COVID, Says Dr. Fauci

43

So is Your Family’s Medical History

Fill out the family history section in the medical questionnaire

Fill out the family history section in the medical questionnaire

Dr. Luo points out that it isn’t just your medical history that is useful when diagnosing heart disease. It often runs in families—so if anyone on your family tree has experienced it, you are more likely to yourself.

44

You are Physically Inactive

Obese woman laying on sofa with smartphone eating chips

Obese woman laying on sofa with smartphone eating chips

Heart health is one of the main reasons you should get your sweat on. “Regular, moderate exercise is critical to help reduce the risk of heart disease,” explains Dr. Chakrabarti. “Physical activity can directly influence the other risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol, blood pressure, and obesity. While the appropriate amount of physical activity varies from person to person, he suggests consulting with your health care provider to determine what may be right for you.

45

You Have Diabetes

Doctor making blood sugar test in clinic for diabetes

Doctor making blood sugar test in clinic for diabetes

If you are diabetic, you are more at risk for heart disease. “Even with good glucose control, diabetes is an ongoing risk factor for heart disease,” says Dr. Chakrabarti. “These risks are amplified with poor glucose control, making a healthy lifestyle paramount in this population.”

46

You Smoke

Hand stubbed out cigarette in a transparent ashtray on wooden table

Hand stubbed out cigarette in a transparent ashtray on wooden table

Smoking is bad for your lungs—and your heart. “Smoking—including tobacco smoke—is an independent risk factor for heart disease,” Dr. Chakrabarti says. “This is a completely preventable cause,” he adds.

47

You’re Exposed to Other People’s Smoke

woman smoking cigarette near people

woman smoking cigarette near people

Just as smoking can negatively impact your heart, so can second hand smoke, points out Dr. Chakrabarti. If you have spent extensive time indoors with a smoker, you should consider yourself more at risk for heart disease.

RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We’d Get Back to Normal

48

You Have Poor Nutrition

Hands holding fresh delicious burgers with french fries, sauce and beer on the wooden table top view.

Hands holding fresh delicious burgers with french fries, sauce and beer on the wooden table top view.

Your heart may be at risk if you aren’t eating right. “There is a lot of literature about what constitutes a heart healthy diet,” explains Dr. Chakrabarti. “Common trends are moderation of dietary fat, salt, and cholesterol, and integrating as much fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet as possible.”

49

You Have a Genetic Abnormality

Electrocardiogram, ecg in hand, chart of a doctor

Electrocardiogram, ecg in hand, chart of a doctor

When young people have a sudden cardiac arrest or die suddenly, there are a different set of more common causes, most of which are due to genetic abnormalities, explains Dr. Lampert. “While studies differ in which is the most common, these fall in three groups—disorders of the heart muscle (or cardiomyopathies), disorders of the heart’s electrical system (heart rhythm abnormalities), or congenital abnormalities of the coronary arteries (“anomalous coronary artery”), any of which can lead to a sudden arrhythmia that causes cardiac arrest,” she explains. When young athletes die suddenly on the field, these are generally the causes, but this can also happen in young people who are not athletes. “These issues can also present in older people, although less commonly.”

50

You—Forgive Us For Being Blunt—Experience Sudden Death

woman with white lily flowers and coffin at funeral in church

woman with white lily flowers and coffin at funeral in church

Unfortunately, one of the first symptoms of heart disease can be fatal—especially in genetic cases. “Often sudden cardiac arrest or death can be the first presentation,” explains Dr. Lampert. “Talk to your doctor if others in the family have died suddenly below 35 or 40 years of age, or if there have been deaths in unusual circumstances—for example, a good driver drove off the road, or ‘no one ever knew what happened to Uncle Harry’ who died in his 20s,” she suggests. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.