5 Subtle Signs That May Suggest Heart Trouble – And When to See a Doctor

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4. Chest Discomfort or Pressure (Not Always Pain)

Many people expect heart attacks to feel like crushing chest pain. But reality is often different.

Symptoms can be:

  • A dull pressure or fullness in the center of the chest
  • Burning (mistaken for indigestion)
  • Lasting more than a few minutes, coming and going

✅ May spread to arms, neck, jaw, or back
✅ Can occur during activity or rest

🚨 Even mild discomfort lasting >5 minutes deserves immediate attention.

5. Dizziness, Lightheadedness, or Fainting Spells

Feeling faint or dizzy — especially during activity — could mean your heart isn’t maintaining steady blood flow.

Causes include:

  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Structural heart problems

🩺 Fainting (syncope) should never be ignored — it can be a red flag for sudden cardiac risk.

⚠️ Who Is at Higher Risk?

✅ High blood pressure
Damages arteries over time
✅ High cholesterol
Contributes to plaque buildup
✅ Diabetes
Accelerates cardiovascular disease
✅ Smoking
Narrows blood vessels, raises heart rate
✅ Family history
Genetic predisposition increases risk
✅ Age & gender
Men over 45; women after menopause

🩺 The good news? Up to 80% of heart disease is preventable with lifestyle changes and medical care.

✅ What You Can Do Today

Move regularly
Walking 30 mins/day improves circulation and lowers blood pressure
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Focus on vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats
Monitor blood pressure & cholesterol
Many clinics offer free screenings
Know your numbers
Blood pressure, A1c (for blood sugar), LDL cholesterol
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Two of the biggest modifiable risks
See your doctor annually
Especially if you have risk factors

💡 Tip: Keep a symptom journal — note when fatigue, swelling, or dizziness occurs.