Did you know that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States?
Stressful lifestyles and frequent consumption of unhealthy foods have greatly contributed to heart problems becoming more common and dangerous in recent years.
Living a healthy lifestyle and reducing stress can help protect your heart. Another potentially life-saving step is recognizing early warning signs that may appear weeks before a heart attack. Always treat these symptoms as serious red flags and seek medical attention.
1. Swollen Feet
In congestive heart failure, one or both of the heart’s lower chambers may lose their ability to pump blood effectively. As a result, blood can back up in the legs, ankles, and feet, causing swelling (edema).
2. Fatigue
When arteries become narrowed, the heart receives less blood than it needs. This forces the heart to work harder, which can leave you feeling constantly tired, weak, or unusually drowsy.
3. Shortness of Breath
If the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, the lungs may not receive enough oxygen. Since the heart and lungs work closely together, difficulty breathing—especially without exertion—should never be ignored and requires prompt medical attention.
