1. Frequent nausea and indigestion
Stomach problems are not a good sign. | iStock.com/Nikodash
Nausea and indigestion can be caused by a lot of things, many of them harmless. But if you haven’t eaten anything unsettling, you’re not sick, and you have other symptoms of heart problems, see a doctor. Nausea and indigestionwithout a reasonable explanation can be a sign of a heart attack, and women are more likely than men to experience them.
Next: How does your mouth feel?
2. Jaw pain and toothaches

Give your teeth some extra love. | iStock.com
Some cardiologists claim they can tell a lot about a person’s overall health by how healthy their mouth is. So it makes sense that unexplained pain in the jaw and teeth, which is often accompanied by a headache, is a sign of a heart attack. This isn’t often considered a symptom of heart disease, so be especially diligent and proactive if you have unexplained jaw or tooth pain.
Next: Your breathing might be trying to tell you something.
3. Snoring

Man sleeping in his bed | iStock.com/tommaso79
How loud is your breathing when you’re sleeping? While it’s normal to snore a little, loud snoring that resembles gasping or choking sounds can be a sign of sleep apnea, according to WebMD. This is when you stop breathing for brief moments, which puts extra strain on your heart.
Next: What your neck is telling you.
4. Neck circumference

Wide neck? You may be in danger. | iStock.com
It probably seems like a bit of a stretch that neck size is tied to heart health. But it’s true: A recent study from Brazil showed that people with large necks, especially men, may be at higher risk for heart disease. According to study author Cristina Baena, Ph.D., fat deposits around your neck can produce inflammatory substances that lead to plaque buildup in the carotid arteries in your neck, which hampers your heart health.
Next: Do you sweat a lot?
5. Sweating

Sweating while sedentary may be something to watch out for. | iStock.com/andriano_cz
Sweating is a natural and healthy reaction to physical activity or hot weather. But if you’re sweating on a 50-degree day while you’re sedentary and you also have discomfort in your chest, it could mean the onset of a heart attack.
Next: Bedroom problems could actually be a heart problem.
6. Sexual dysfunction

A lower libido may be a sign of heart troubles. | Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/iStock/Getty Images Plus
If you’re having trouble performing in the bedroom, heart disease is probably the last thing on your mind. But when the blood vessels aren’t working well, sexual problems can easily occur. Even if you aren’t experiencing other symptoms of heart disease, it’s best to see a doctor and rule it out.
Next: Men aren’t likely to experience this.
7. Marital stress

Frequent arguments aren’t healthy. | iStock.com
Stress in a marriage is terrible for the heart, especially if you’re a woman. Frequent arguments in your relationship increase the risks of an actual broken heart. Differences in the way the sexes handle stress, as well as hormones, can explain why men aren’t as likely to experience this.
Next: Are these body parts looking swollen?
8. Swollen body parts

Your feet might be trying to tell you something | iStock.com
Swollen body parts could indicate serious health problems. If you have swollen legs, feet, and ankles, it could be a sign your heart doesn’t pump blood as effectively as it should, according to WebMD. The body parts get swollen due to blood backing up in the veins. WebMD also notes, “Heart failure can also make it harder for the kidneys to remove extra water and sodium from the body, which can lead to bloating.”
Next: This goes a long way.
9. An ounce of prevention

Staying fit will help your heart. | iStock.com/undrey
Of course, the best way to avoid problems with heart disease is to do your best to keep your heart healthy. Whilesome heart troubles are genetic, there are plenty of lifestyle changes you can make to stay out of the ER.Exercising, quitting smoking, and eating nutritious foods are great ways to keep your ticker ticking for many years to come. There are also some surprisingly effective things you can do, like getting plenty of rest and getting a dog.
0 comments