Not all heart problems come with a bang, sometimes it creeps up slowly and catches you before you know it. Some heart symptoms don’t even happen in your chest, and it does not always have crystal clear warning signs to alert you.
If you are unsure about something, it is best to get it checked out. This is especially true if you are an elderly, are overweight or are suffering from a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Paying attention to early warning signs can often make the difference between prevention and a full-blown medical emergency.
Here are some commonly misunderstood red flags that may indicate something serious is going on with your heart.
Chest discomfort may sometimes be associated with indigestion, heart burn or stress. You may hear it brushed off as simply “gas” or a result of eating too much, especially if the pain isn’t a sharp one and does not come with any other dramatic symptoms. However, chest discomfort—especially ones that feel like a tightness, heaviness or squeezing in the center or left side of your chest—is actually one of the most common signs of underlying heart disease. Doctors warn that even short-lived chest discomfort should not be ignored, particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and pain radiating down your arm or jaw.
Unexplained shortness of breath after climbing a flight of stairs or walking the usual distance may be chalked up to ageing, a lack of sleep or simply being “out of shape”. However, shortness of breath without a clear reason, especially when it is worsens during minimal activity or even while lying down, could be a sign that your heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should.
The breathlessness may seem mild at first, however it may worsen over time, with regular day-to-day tasks like getting dressed becoming difficult.
You may notice your energy level dropping, you tire faster than usual and you feel fatigued or winded after doing something you had no problem doing in the past. You may brush it off as a natural part of growing older, or a lack of sleep, but it could also be a silent sign that something is wrong with your heart.
It is a sign that is easy to dismiss as many may just adapt to their declining stamina, by taking the elevator instead of the stairs, sitting down more often, or cutting corners when doing physical tasks. That way, it may often remain unnoticed until more serious warning signs occur.
In Singapore, 21 people die from cardiovascular disease every day. In 2021, cardiovascular disease accounted for 32% – or around one in three – of all local deaths. Dr. Gerard Leong discusses this topic and more in the article below.
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The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. Located in the chest on the left, the heart pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients.
A healthy heart is essential to good health. In fact, a healthy human heart beats about 100,000 times a day, with an average adult’s heart beating about 60 to 80 times per minute.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a term that houses all conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.
This resource provides information about heart health, including:
Heart health is the overall well-being of your cardiovascular system, which consists of your heart and blood vessels. It encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and management of conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system, collectively known as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A healthy heart functions to efficiently pump blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. It is important to maintain good heart health for your overall well-being and longevity.
Importance of Heart Health
Heart disease is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:
Disease Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease. However, some general signs and symptoms include:
Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Here are some helpful ways to improve your heart health:
Our Heart Health Guide answers your questions relating to the heart!
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Our panel of specialists cover a wide range of heart conditions to meet your needs.
