Cardiac issues are one of the most severe issues affecting both men and women around the world. Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart’s ability to work. Some of the common types of cardiac issues include arrhythmia, valve disease, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Though each cardiac issue is different, they can have similar warning signs. So, here are warning signs of cardiac issues one should be able to recognize to get immediate help:

Chest pain
Chest pain or discomfort is one of the key signs of cardiac issues. One might experience heaviness, pinching, or tightness in the chest. Some people experience mild discomfort, while others may feel intense pain. The discomfort can be felt on and off, lasting for more than a few minutes at a time, and may occur at rest or with physical exertion. Chest pain is often mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. If the pain is persistent or if one has other symptoms like nausea, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it could be a heart attack.

Dizziness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded indicates a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain. This can be brought on by cardiac issues like atherosclerosis, valve disorders, or heart failure. Dizziness, especially standing up, is also a symptom of blood pressure issues and heart disease. Lightheadedness after a meal is a condition called postprandial hypotension. It can also indicate a drop in blood pressure after eating, a long-term consequence of arterial stiffness.

Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of many conditions, including bacterial infections. But feeling tired suddenly and much more than one normally does is a warning sign of heart failure. Here, the cause could be problems with pumping blood or a blockage. One should watch out for a reduction in strength while carrying out normal activities and other signs such as dizziness, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath means not being able to breathe efficiently or experiencing breathlessness. This could result from anxiety or physical activity; however, unexplained breathlessness should not be overlooked as it may be a warning sign of serious health conditions. Feeling out of breath after minimal exertion, such as walking out to the car or climbing the stairs, could be a sign of cardiac issues like coronary artery disease, heart attack, or heart failure. The lungs may feel heavy, and the breathing may become rapid. But, be it sudden or gradual, shortness of breath is one of the signs of cardiac issues that should not be ignored.

Fast or uneven heartbeat
One may feel their heartbeat getting faster when they are nervous or excited. However, one can have a fast or uneven heartbeat when the heart experiences inadequate blood supply, making it beat faster to keep up. Heart palpitations or throbbing, also known as arrhythmia, is a key sign of cardiac issues. Other heart conditions tied to fast or uneven heartbeat include coronary heart disease, heart valve problems, and heart failure. If one experiences heart palpitations while sitting or reading a book, along with shortness of breath and chest pain, they should call a doctor right away.

Pain in the left arm or shoulder
The pain here could be a sign of faulty blood circulation. When the heart is struggling to keep up, it can signal pain in other parts of the body. Not all instances of pain in the left arm are signs of a heart attack, but sudden and severe pain in the region and the inability to move the arm can be symptoms of a stroke. One should seek immediate assistance if they experience pain or pressure in their left arm or shoulder, along with other signs of cardiac issues such as shortness of breath.

Coughing
A cough is triggered by fluid build-up in the lungs. A long-lasting cough with white or pink mucus could be a sign of heart failure. When the heart is unable to keep up with the body’s demands, it causes blood to leak back into the lungs. It may result in a persistent cough or wheezing, indicating that the one’s condition is gradually worsening. If one notices this symptom, they should get immediate attention and timely treatment.

Sweating
One may experience unexplained and excessive sweating right before heart failure. Sweating is normal when triggered by physical activity, hot weather, or menopause. But breaking out into a cold sweat along with chest pain is a sign of a health concern. Here, clogged arteries make it difficult for the heart to pump blood, requiring more effort from the organ. This results in excessive sweating, intended to bring down the body temperature during exertion.

If one experiences one or more of these symptoms, they should get immediate assistance from an expert healthcare professional. The risk of severe heart damage decreases with prompt treatment.