Introduction
Heart disease ranks high on the list of causes of mortality and morbidity in Canada; the good news is that it is often preventable if caught on time. It is important for people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds to know the symptoms particular to heart disease. As a cardiologist in Brampton, Ontario, I have firsthand knowledge that early detection of heart disease can alter the outcome considerably. In this article, we will explore ten early warning signs of heart disease to heed, with much focus on the different populations of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and will provide advice on when to seek medical help.
Chest Pain
The classic presentation symptoms include chest pain. Chest pains may feel quite different for individuals. The heaviness, tightness, or squeezing may differ-little more intense, or sharp or stabbing pain. Moreover, in some groups, such as women, older adults, and some coming from South Asian or African backgrounds, chest pain may be felt less dramatically, being confused with dyspepsia.
When to see a cardiologist: Chest pain, whether on its own or with symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating means you call for an ambulance.
Shortness of Breath
Being short of breath after doing just a little household chore may be an early sign of heart disease, especially in persons with high blood pressure or a family history of heart problems. Possibly, in an area where there are more active people, in the GTA, shortness of breath may often be overlooked or excused because of advanced age or lack of physical activity.
When to see a cardiologist: If at any time breathlessness occurs while doing daily activities like walking to a supermarket or even climbing stairs, this has to be done by a cardiologist.
Fatigue or Weakness
Unusual fatigue or weakness is a subtle but significant sign of heart disease. This is especially true in women, seniors, and people suffering from diabetes. Still, many people overlook fatigue as just a normal part of everyday life. When you start noticing chronic fatigue that doesn’t clearly make sense, this is a time to take heed.
When to see a cardiologist: If you are excessively tired or weak despite hours of sleep, or if the fatigue simply won’t improve with rest, call a cardiologist now.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Dizziness or lightheadedness can be a sign of diminished blood flow to the brain due to heart pathology. The causes may include arrhythmia or valve issues. Interestingly, within some cultures of the GTA, dizziness is regularly chalked up to being dehydrated or under stress, thus stalling the important diagnosis.
When to see a cardiologist: If dizziness occurs frequently, especially paired with fainting or rapid heartbeat, seek medical help immediately.
Swelling of the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
The swelling that occurs in any combination of the legs, ankles, or feet may indicate heart failure, which limits blood pumping per beat by the heart, leading to the accumulation of fluid. This symptom is more common in older adults and those with hypertension. South Asian communities in the GTA must be wary of such symptoms in that they may have a higher prevalence of both hypertension and diabetes.
When not to see a cardiologist: If the swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet is persistent or worsening, consult with a cardiologist right away to explore your options.
Nausea or Indigestion
Most might not associate nausea with heart attack syndromes. However, unexplained nausea, indigestion, and a feeling of fullness could indicate heart problems, particularly in women, particularly when accompanied by other warning capabilities.
When to see a cardiologist: If nausea persists in conjunction with chest pain and breathing difficulty, see a doctor immediately.
Pain in the Neck, Jaw, Back, or Stomach
Pain or discomfort in areas other than the chest, such as the neck, jaw, back, or stomach, might also indicate heart disease. Women, older adults, and individuals with diabetes might experience this kind of pain during a heart attack instead of a chest discomfort. In South Asian and Black communities within the GTA, this symptom is often unacknowledged.
When to see a cardiologist: If you are feeling unexplained pain in these areas along with other risk factors like high blood pressure or family history, see a cardiologist immediately.
Cold Sweats
Cold sweats among themselves are signposts of heart attack or some impending heart problems, especially when they occur without any exertion. This might sometimes be the only symptom, especially in older people. In multicultural communities within the GTA, incontinence would have easily explained it away as anxiety or stress.
When to see a cardiologist: If you experience cold sweats, especially in combination with other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, see a doctor immediately.
Irregular Heartbeat or Palpitations
A very fast heart rate, or an irregularly beating heart is termed as arrhythmia, which is a condition where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly, eventually increasing the chances of a stroke or heart failure. All persons in the GTA including those with a family history of heart disease should be definitely careful with heart palpitations.
When to call in the cardiologist: You will want to call your cardiologist if you are having frequent palpitations and become dizzy or lightheaded.
Sleep Problems
Diseases of the heart may fall in line with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, especially among overweight or high blood pressure individuals. Some people who live in the GTA, particularly from some cultural communities, maybe overlook the fact that poor sleep etches a link to heart health.
When to see a cardiologist: If you have trouble falling asleep, snore loudly, experience episodes in which you choke, or gasp for breath during sleep, discuss this with your cardiologist. Your doctor can order a sleep study if they are suspicious of sleep apnea or some other heart-related problem.
Conclusion
Consider the fact that heart diseases do not, in many cases, usher in obvious or dramatic symptoms. For numerous individuals in the Greater Toronto Area, the early signs of heart disease can be subtle, oftentimes easily overlooked. Recognizing these warning signs and acting to seek medical advice quickly is particularly crucial, granted one’s ensuing risk profile is enlarged owing to age, family history, lifestyle, or ethnicity. By keeping one step ahead with your heart, you can save yourself from the risk of serious complications and prolong the quality of life worth living.
If you or a person close to you is experiencing any of these signs, please do not hesitate to contact a good cardiologist. I, as a cardiologist practicing in Brampton, am devoted to keeping your heart patients’ health through early detection, personalized care, and lifestyle modifications.
Call Dr.Sunny Malhotra to fix an appointment for a heart health consultation.
