Signs of heart disease that you did not expect

Heart disease is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer”. According to Harvard Medical School (USA), nearly half of heart attacks are mistaken for less serious problems.

The disease has some obvious symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and nausea. But ignoring the less common signs can also lead to serious health consequences healtheven cause death.

Jaw and neck pain

“Typical heart attack symptoms include tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and sweating. Additionally, pain radiating to the jaw and neck can also be a sign of heart disease, especially if the discomfort gets worse. when you exert yourself and lose it when you rest,” warns cardiologist Edo Paz.

Dr. Bobbi Bogaev gives the example of a patient who recently suffered from jaw and neck pain while cycling. Dr Bogaev said: “When he went to check up, he was diagnosed with damage to the heart vessels, including the arteries.”

breath is smelly

Bad breath makes you lose confidence and is also a sign that you have a heart problem. People with gum disease with bad breath are at increased risk of heart-related diseases such as hardening of the arteries, blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.

Bacteria that accumulate on the tongue, teeth and gums cause bad breath. The bacteria can then enter the bloodstream through diseased gums, which is associated with clogged arteries, inflammation of the blood vessels.

Cramps, pain or numbness in the calf

One surprising sign of an unstable heart condition is pain or discomfort in the calves. “Pain cramps, pain, or numbness when walking are likely to be associated with peripheral artery disease,” explains Dr. Paz.

This is a chronic condition in which blood vessels to organs and limbs are blocked, resulting in decreased flow.

Other symptoms of the disease include sores on the legs, slow hair growth, and changes in skin pigmentation.

Calf pain that occurs with exercise and resolves with rest is a symptom of peripheral artery disease. People with the disease often develop atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), which disrupts blood flow to the legs and can lead to heart attack or stroke.

According to the National Institutes of Medicine, nearly half of all American patients with atherosclerosis don’t know it. So, if you often experience cramping, pain, numbness or discomfort in your calves while walking, see your doctor to be screened for heart disease.

Problems with sex

Heart health can affect relationships, the study notes, because sexual dysfunction is related to blood flow. For men, erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of artery damage and heart disease.

Erectile dysfunction is likely due to hardening of the arteries or endothelial dysfunction – blood vessels that are unable to dilate and contract properly. This condition reduces blood flow to the penis.

Heart disease that affects sexual function is not limited to women. According to one analysis, 87% of women with heart failure reported symptoms of sexual dysfunction, including vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and low sex drive.

An Yen (Follow Bestlife)