If you think of someone having a heart attack, chances are you will picture a scene where a man gasps, clutches his chest and falls to the ground. But in reality, a heart attack victim could easily be a woman, and the scene not be so dramatic.
Here are six of the most common – and most surprising – symptoms of heart disease that people need to be aware of.
SYMPTOM 1: SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Many people think of sexual dysfunction as a problem of the reproductive organs – or the brain.
However, especially in males, sexual dysfunction is a common symptom of arterial disease.
A buildup of plaque in the arteries can cause men to have a hard time achieving – or maintaining erection.
But for women, a drop in libido usually signals a post-menopausal state.
Yet, women who are post-menopausal ‘rapidly increase’ their risk factors for developing heart disease.
SYMPTOM 2: SNORING OR SLEEP APNEA
Few things are more frustrating in life than trying to sleep next to a snoring person.
However, on top of the annoyance of snoring, revealed Dr John Erwin, a cardiologist from Texas A&M Health Science Center, it can actually be a sign of heart disease.
Snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea – as is morning sleepiness after a full night’s sleep.
Dr Erwin said: ‘Sleep apnea – periods of time during sleep where you stop breathing – is associated with many physiological changes that increase the risk of both heart attack and stroke.’
Snoring can also be a sign of atrial fibrillation – which is an irregular, often rapid heart rate that causes poor blood flow.
Therefore, detection and treatment of sleep apnea can lower a person’s risk of heart problems.
So, next time you hear the person next to you snoring, perhaps suggest they see a doctor – instead of just complaining about the noise.
SYMPTOM 3: BLEEDING, SORE OR SWOLLEN GUMS
Few people would ever think that gum problems could be linked to heart disease.
However, unhealthy gums are a symptom of periodontis.
That is a serious gum infection that damages the gums – and can destroy the jawbone.
Periodontis can actually lead to an increase in inflammation across the body, according to Dr Erwein.
And, over-activity of inflammatory pathways is a strong risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic heart disease and heart attack.
Thus, it’s recommended that people follow up regularly with their dentist for oral hygiene.
They should also regularly brush and floss their teeth.
SYMPTOM 4: SHOULDER OR NECK CONSTRICTION OR ACHING
Many people feel like an ‘elephant is sitting on their chest’ during a heart attack.
And many others experience ‘a squeezing sensation in their arms.’
However, not all people go through those ‘classic’ heart attack feelings.
Instead, many heart attack sufferers feel an uncomfortable sensation, achiness, pain or pressure in their neck, jaw or shoulders.
For some, that discomfort is the ‘only sign of heart pain or a heart attack’.
SYMPTOM 5: PUFFY FEET AND LEGS
Feet and legs can swell for a variety of reasons – including something as minor as heat.
However, puffy legs and feet can also be a marker of congestive heart failure.
That’s particularly true in cases where a person has unusual shortness of breath with activity – or when trying to sleep.
While it’s also true that some swelling occurs naturally throughout the day, and tends to resolve overnight, persistent swelling is problematic.
People who have constant or worsening swelling of the feet or legs should see a doctor for an evaluation of heart failure.
SYMPTOM 6: INDIGESTION OR HEARTBURN
Heartburn and indigestion are quite common – and rarely serious.
But in some instances, those seemingly benign burning or aching sensations in the upper abdomen can be a sign of heart pain or heart attack.
Additionally, persistent gastrointestinal distress – such as intractable hiccups – can also be a precursor.
And so, when heartburn, indigestion or hiccups are mixed with nausea, sweating, shortness of breath or lightheadedness, people should seek medical attention.
Dr Erwin said: ‘It’s not uncommon to see people come into the emergency room after chewing on antacids for hours before they realize the pain is something more.’