5 Subtle Signs of Heart Disease You Should Never Ignore

You may have heard that heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. In 2021, one out of every five deaths was due to heart disease — an astonishing number.

With heart disease being so prevalent, you should learn about your heart health to prevent complications and chronic issues. 

At the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute, we take exceptional care of your heart to keep you healthy throughout your life. Dr. Hesham Fakhri and Dr. Octavio Cosme offer diagnostic testing and personalized treatments for heart conditions and heart disease.

What is heart disease?

Your heart is the most essential organ in your body. It pumps oxygenated blood to all tissues and organs to keep you alive and your body working correctly. But as your heart ages, you could develop heart disease, which affects the function of the organ.

Heart disease isn't just one problem — it's a group of conditions that affect how the heart pumps blood to the body. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent form of heart disease among Americans.

But heart disease is more than just CAD. There are other issues you may experience with heart disease, including:

• Heart valve disease
• Heart arrhythmias
• Heart muscle disease
• Congenital defects
• Other blood vessel disease

Heart disease is dangerous because it affects how your heart pumps blood throughout your body. With decreased oxygenation, you're at risk for a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.

Unfortunately, some people with heart disease don't know it until they have a heart attack or other serious medical event. 

Five subtle signs of heart disease

Chest pain and shortness of breath are two of the prevalent signs and symptoms of heart disease, and they're pretty obvious. But they're not the only signs you should be looking for.

There are other subtle symptoms related to heart disease, including:

Ankle swelling

You could have swollen ankles for many reasons, including pregnancy and being on your feet all day. But swollen ankles are also a symptom of heart failure and heart disease. Fluid often accumulates in the ankles when your heart doesn't pump blood properly, allowing it to pool in your lower extremities.

Unexplained fatigue

Unexplained fatigue is one of the subtle signs of heart disease, especially among women. If you're exhausted after simple tasks like walking up the steps, folding clothes, or making your bed, it could be a sign you're not getting enough oxygen due to heart disease.

Waking up at night to pee

Getting up throughout the night to pee isn't always a sign of heart disease, especially if you drink a lot before bed. But if you notice sudden changes in your nightly urination routine, it could be the result of heart disease.

Heart issues may cause fluid buildup in your legs because of less blood flow to the kidneys. But when you lie down to sleep, the fluid flows toward your heart, causing your kidneys to work harder and making you get up at night to pee.

Leg or hip pain while walking

Leg or hip pain is common due to conditions like arthritis or overuse, but the pain could also be a sign of heart disease.

Circulation problems from peripheral artery disease or other heart conditions may lead to pain in your lower extremities while exercising or walking and then stopping to rest.

Skin discoloration

Are you noticing changes in your skin color or patches of bluish-purple areas on your body? You could be showing signs of a heart problem.

Blocked arteries and blood vessels from coronary artery disease and other forms of heart disease lead to decreased oxygenation in the body, giving your toes, fingers, hands, or soles of your feet a bluish tone.

Should I get treatment for my symptoms?

If you experience any of the above symptoms or have chest pain and shortness of breath, seek treatment as soon as possible. Heart disease continues to worsen without treatment, increasing your risk for dangerous complications.

Talk to our team about your family history and lifestyle to help us determine your risk factors for heart disease. We perform blood work, an EKG, and exercise or nuclear stress testing to evaluate your heart muscle and determine if you have heart disease.

We can then tailor a plan specifically for your needs to prevent issues like a heart attack or stroke. It may include lifestyle changes, medications, and coronary interventions to keep your heart working properly.

Call the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute today to schedule an appointment to discuss heart disease or reach out to us online to request a consultation. We're located in Tampa, Sun City Center, and Wesley Chapel, Florida.