Heart problems are common, as heart attacks happen in the United States every 40 seconds. The good news is that early detection and intervention help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other heart disease complications.
Visit our experts at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie in Grand Prairie, Texas, to schedule potentially life-saving heart-health screenings.
The following are heart-disease risk factors to watch for:
Routine heart-health screenings are particularly important if you have heart disease risk factors.
You probably already know that chest pain and shortness of breath are common signs of a heart problem. But these seven signs of an unhealthy heart might surprise you.
Pain in your jaw, neck, throat, back, or upper belly could indicate coronary artery disease (CAD), a common heart attack risk factor. Don’t assume heart problems only cause discomfort in your chest. Be aware of the other areas of the body that it can affect.
Surprisingly, your arms and legs are often affected by CAD or heart defects. As a result, your limbs may feel weak, numb, cold, or painful. You might have swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or hands because of a heart or blood vessel condition. Get checked out if you notice changes in your limbs.
Fatigue is a surprising sign of heart disease you might write off as stress, aging, hormones, or lack of sleep. But ongoing tiredness could indicate a heart problem or another medical concern. See the Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie if you have severe or persistent fatigue.
Fainting could be a sign of a heart valve disease, irregular heartbeats, a diseased heart muscle, or similar concerns. But fainting could also indicate a non-heart-related medical problem. Don’t wait to get checked out if you’re dizzy or have fainted, as these symptoms could be a warning sign of a serious health issue.
If you toss and turn at night, heart disease may be a contributing factor. While many things can contribute to poor sleep, including sleep apnea, hormonal changes, or an irregular sleep schedule, it’s important to get screened for heart disease. Your provider can help pinpoint the exact cause of your sleep problems during a comprehensive evaluation.
Symptoms similar to heartburn or indigestion are signs of heart disease that might surprise you. You could have burning or discomfort in your throat or upper abdomen because of a heart issue. Don’t write off heartburn-like symptoms as a digestive problem; get checked out to know for sure.
Profuse sweating is an early sign of heart failure or other heart concerns. The reason for this isn’t fully understood, but it may be linked to fluid retention.
Tracking blood pressure during annual physicals is a good way to assess your risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. Your primary care specialist determines when to complete cholesterol screenings, electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress tests, or other heart-function tests based on your age, risk factors, and symptoms.
Schedule a heart disease screening at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie by calling our office or booking online today.
