7 Silent Signs of Heart Disease Every Adult Needs to Watch For

Staying on top of your heart health is essential for both women and men, as heart disease remains a leading cause of death for both sexes. But not everyone is aware of what to look for, and some of the signs of heart disease are very subtle. 

Our team members at Heart and Vascular Care wish that every resident of Plano and McKinney, Texas, could avoid heart disease. But the next best outcome would be early intervention, which is only possible once you’ve discovered a heart health issue. 

So let’s discuss 7 signs that you might have heart disease, and what to do if you’re concerned. 

#1: Angina (chest pain)

When most people think about chest pain, they envision a scene from a movie where someone is clutching their chest in extreme duress, often before keeling over. While this kind of chest pain is certainly possible, chest pain can occur in many other ways. 

Very often, people experience a form of chest pain called angina. This develops when your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. It can feel like tightness, heaviness, pressure, or squeezing in your chest. 

Angina can range in severity and can also come and go. Many people ignore angina when it is intermittent or mild in severity. 

#2: Poor sleep quality

If you’re having trouble staying asleep or find yourself feeling tired during the day, you could have a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This develops when muscles in your throat relax during sleep and block your airway, causing you to partially wake up many times each night. 

There is a link between sleep apnea and heart disease. Many people who have sleep apnea also have other conditions that increase their risk of heart disease, including being overweight or obese. If you aren’t sleeping well, ask your primary care if sleep apnea testing might be right for you. 

#3: Erectile dysfunction

Achieving and maintaining an erection requires healthy blood flow, which in turn requires a healthy heart. If you or your partner is encountering difficulties in the bedroom, it could be an early warning sign of a heart condition. 

#4: Persistent cough

A cough that lingers without a clear cause could be a subtle sign of heart disease, especially heart failure. If your heart is not pumping enough blood throughout your body, fluid can build up in your lungs. That can lead to an ongoing cough and even shortness of breath. 

#5: Jaw pain

When most people encounter jaw pain, we immediately assume that something is going on with our teeth. But jaw pain can also be a sign of heart issues. This is especially true if you’re also noticing tightness or tension in your chest. 

Don’t ignore a combination of chest sensations and jaw pain, as they can be an early warning sign of a heart attack. 

#6: Heartbeat irregularities

Your heart beats in a fairly predictable rhythm, with ups and downs in your heart rate depending on whether you’re exerting yourself. If you notice changes in your heartbeat rhythm, like fluttering, pounding, or seeming to skip a beat, it could be an arrhythmia. 

While not all arrhythmias are dangerous, many signal that your heart isn’t functioning properly and should be checked by a specialist. 

#7: Swelling in your feet and ankles

It’s normal to notice some minor swelling in your feet and ankles after a long day on your feet or hours spent on an airplane. Visible imprints from your socks and shoes can also signal swollen feet. 

But if you experience swelling in your feet and ankles that isn’t linked to a clear cause and lasts for more than a few hours, it could be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively. This can cause fluids to accumulate in your lower body, which causes swelling. 

What to do if you notice these changes

Knowing what to look for is important, but you also need to know what to do if these changes develop. The best way to fully understand how well your heart is functioning is to see a cardiology specialist to determine the cause of your symptoms. 

The team at Heart and Vascular Care is here to listen to your concerns, gather information about your personal and family health history, and perform the appropriate screenings to determine if you have a heart health issue.

That process begins with a quick phone call or a visit to our online booking page to find a time that fits into your busy schedule.