7 harmless symptoms that can signal heart issues

TL;DR: Some harmless-looking symptoms that signal heart issues include swollen legs, skin rashes, unexplained arm pain, loss of appetite, fainting spells, high anxiety, and a persistent cough. Pay attention when more than one shows up at the same time, and check in with a doctor rather than wait them out.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the USA, approximately 600,000 Americans die every year from heart issues. Both men and women suffer from heart issues that are related to lifestyle habits. However, our body gives us some signs of heart issues that we end up not noticing or overlooking.

These are seven symptoms you should pay attention to, to protect your heart.

1. Swollen legs, feet, and ankles

When the heart can’t pump well, the liquid from blood vessels is filtered by the surrounding tissues; the legs and feet are the most affected areas due to gravity’s action. This is called peripheral edema.

While many people who have this issue do not suffer from heart diseases, it is common among cardiac patients and it is worth paying attention to.

2. Uncommon spots and rashes on the skin

Two studies done by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that eczema and herpes are high-risk factors for heart diseases.

Patients with eczema had a 48% chance of suffering from hypertension and a 29% chance of having high cholesterol. Also, patients with shingles showed 59% more chances of suffering a heart attack than people without herpes zoster.

3. Pain in the arms

Do your arms ache? Many men feel pain in their left arms, while women feel the same pain in one or both arms. Also, although rare, some women report feeling pain in the elbow before a heart attack.

That happens because the pain travels from the heart to the spine, where many nerves are connected. With that, the brain gets confused and makes you think the pain is coming from your arm, but it actually isn’t.

4. Loss of appetite and nauseating sensation

In some research, it was noted that many patients with heart diseases show a loss of appetite and nausea, even when eating fewer meals. That happens because liquids build up around the liver, interfering with proper digestion. These symptoms are usually followed by abdominal pain.

If you have all these issues at the same time, immediately seek medical help.

5. Loss of consciousness or fainting spells

Feeling dizzy and losing consciousness is something common for cardiac patients. It happens when the heart can’t pump blood well, the blood flow is blocked by an obstructed artery, or a valve too narrow.

If you have shortness of breath and faint for a short period, seek medical help immediately and check your heart health.

6. High level of anxiety

Many studies show that people who suffer from extreme anxiety from early on are more prone to suffer from heart diseases. Anxiety can be caused by a stressful lifestyle or by disorders like panic disorder and phobic anxiety.

Some effects of anxiety on the heart are tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and reduced heart rate.

7. Frequent and persistent cough

Cough can be caused by many things, but it can also be a sign of cardiovascular disease. A persistent cough accompanied by a pink liquid with blood traces might be a sign of heart failure. Sudden shortness of breath can also indicate heart issues.

The takeaway

These symptoms don’t necessarily show in all patients with heart disease, but they are some of the most common signs of heart issues. Stay alert, don’t wait them out alone, and remember that prevention is key for avoiding any future issues. If you want more small-but-useful health reads like this, the newsletter lands every Friday.

Frequently asked questions

What does swelling in the legs have to do with the heart?

When the heart can’t pump well, the liquid from blood vessels is filtered by the surrounding tissues; the legs and feet are the most affected areas due to gravity’s action. This is called peripheral edema and it is common among cardiac patients.

Can skin conditions really predict heart disease?

Two studies done by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that eczema and herpes are high-risk factors for heart diseases. Patients with shingles showed 59% more chances of suffering a heart attack than people without herpes zoster.

Why does a heart problem show up as arm pain?

The pain travels from the heart to the spine, where many nerves are connected. With that, the brain gets confused and makes you think the pain is coming from your arm, but it actually isn’t.

When should fainting be taken seriously?

If you have shortness of breath and faint for a short period, seek medical help immediately and check your heart health. Fainting is something common for cardiac patients and can signal blocked blood flow or a narrow valve.

Can a cough be a sign of heart disease?

Yes. A persistent cough accompanied by a pink liquid with blood traces might be a sign of heart failure. Sudden shortness of breath can also indicate heart issues.