This one is often overlooked — especially by women. If you feel extremely tired even after getting enough sleep, or you’re suddenly too exhausted to do simple tasks like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, it could be a sign that your heart isn’t delivering enough oxygen-rich blood to your body. Don’t brush off constant fatigue.

4. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
When your heart can’t pump properly, blood backs up in the veins, causing fluid retention. This results in swelling, known as edema, especially in the lower extremities. If your shoes suddenly feel tight or you notice puffiness in your ankles, get your heart checked.

5. Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)

An occasional flutter or skipped beat is usually harmless, but frequent irregular heartbeats may indicate a problem with the heart’s electrical system. You might feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering — and this could be a sign of atrial fibrillation, which increases your risk of stroke and heart failure.

6. Pain in the Neck, Jaw, or Back
Not all heart pain is felt in the chest. Especially in women, pain related to heart problems may appear in the neck, jaw, or upper back. This kind of referred pain is often misdiagnosed. If the pain is sudden, unexplained, or occurs during exertion, take it seriously.

7. Cold Sweats and Lightheadedness
Breaking out in a cold sweat or feeling dizzy and faint may seem like symptoms of anxiety or stress — but they can also indicate that your heart isn’t getting enough blood to the brain. Combined with any other symptom on this list, this could be a sign of an impending heart attack.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs
Don’t wait. If you experience any combination of these symptoms — especially chest pain with nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath — call emergency services immediately. Early detection and treatment can prevent major damage or save your life.

Final Thoughts
Your body is always trying to communicate with you. These subtle signals may be early cries for help from your heart. By paying attention, acting quickly, and getting regular checkups, you can give your heart the care it deserves — and live a longer, healthier life.