Warning Signs You Have a Heart Problem

Chest pain is a well-known warning sign of an underlying heart issue, but you should be aware of other, less obvious symptoms.

At Chinatown Cardiology, with multiple New York City locations, we offer comprehensive cardiac testing on-site to identify the cause of heart-related symptoms.

Our highly skilled cardiologists also provide evaluations to help you understand your risk of heart disease based on age, lifestyle, and family medical history.

If you notice changes in your health, don’t ignore them. Pay attention to what you’re experiencing and let our team know about any concerning new symptoms.

Less obvious signs of an underlying heart problem

Heart problems can affect your body in several ways. Here are five often-overlooked symptoms of an underlying heart issue:

1. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can be a symptom of a heart problem, especially when you experience it during limited activity. Even if you think your shortness of breath is a side effect of being out of shape, don’t neglect to report any breathing troubles you experience.

Confirming or ruling out a heart problem early can prevent your breathing issues from getting worse and interfering with your quality of life.

2. Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations describe an erratic or irregular heartbeat. If you feel changes in your heart’s rhythm, note what you’re doing when they happen and how they feel.

Occasional heart palpitations can result from too much caffeine or dehydration. However, if they occur when you’re at rest, speak with our team about scheduling cardiac testing.

3. Persistent aches

Blockages in the vessels that supply blood to your heart tissues may cause pain outside your chest. Underlying heart problems can manifest as aches or pains in your jaw, back, shoulders, and arms. Heart-related pain may worsen during activity and improve with rest.

4. Persistent fatigue

Persistent fatigue can be a sign of heart failure, a condition where your heart can’t pump out enough blood to meet the demands of your body.

If you constantly feel tired or unrefreshed after a full night’s sleep, you may benefit from testing to check for heart failure, coronary artery disease, and other heart-related conditions.

5. Feet or ankle swelling

Swelling in your feet and ankles can be a side effect of organ failure, including heart failure. The swelling occurs when your circulatory system doesn’t function properly and allows too much fluid to build up in your tissues.

Lower your risk of heart complications with an early diagnosis

At Chinatown Cardiology, we offer a range of cardiac studies to determine what’s triggering your symptoms. We use advanced technologies like echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (EKG), and cardiac stress tests to identify underlying cardiovascular conditions in the earliest stages.

With a customized treatment plan, our team can help you manage existing heart issues and lower your risk of heart attack and other dangerous complications.

We also offer preventive resources to reduce your risk of heart problems that become more common as you age, if you smoke, or if you have a family history of heart disease.

Call the Chinatown Cardiology office near you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of a potential heart problem, or book an appointment online today.