Early Signs of an Unhealthy Heart
Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Published in Total Fitness Magazine October 2011 issue
Knowing beforehand the symptoms of an imminent heart attack can save lives in a matter of minutes. Recent studies have focused on determining earlier signs that can foretell heart problems months—even years—ahead. Based on the knowledge that the heart and its arteries function as one big muscle, researchers believe that early signs of heart problems can manifest on various body parts. Here are some of the unusual symptoms related to an unhealthy heart.
Neck pain that doesn’t go away.
Several patients reported having a tightening sensation in the neck area prior to a heart attack. Most people often dismiss neck pain. However, recurring pain that radiates from the neck down to the shoulders and extending to the left/right arm can be a sign of heart problems, according to Margie Latrella, co-author of the book titled Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthier Heart. When heart tissues are damaged, the nerves send “pain signals” along the spinal cord. These “pain signals”, which can be felt in painful twinges or in a tightening sensation, join with the nerves found in the neck and shoulders.
Linear pain in the jaw and ear areas.
Several post-heart attack patients also reported pain in these. Recent studies continue to study the link between persistent jaw/ear pain as a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). The pain is also felt in a linear way (from the jaw up to the ear) as opposed to having felt in one isolated spot alone. This happens when pain signals join with the nerves in the cervical vertebrae.
Heartburn, Indigestion, Nausea
A repeated tightening, squeezing sensation in the abdomen can be the result of an artery blockage that disrupts blood circulation. One study found out that women experience these symptoms twice more than men do several months prior to a heart attack. Moreover, a severe case of indigestion plus nausea can be a premature sign of myocardial infarction in women.
Sudden dizziness, fainting sensation, breathing problems.
Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association published a study wherein over 40% of all women participants reported having shortness of breath days before a heart attack. This happens when the heart has an insufficient oxygen supply due to artery blockage. If you suddenly feel these symptoms during normal activities or experience a sudden difficulty taking a deep breath, it’s best to get your heart checked out immediately.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
This is a common symptom of CAD. In one UK study, two out of three male participants reported having ED years before they found out they have heart problems. The arteries in the penis area are smaller, therefore showing damage signs earlier than most body parts. Recent studies supported this earlier report that most experts deem is necessary to have ED patients check out for CAD.
Published in Total Fitness Magazine October 2011 issue
Neck pain that doesn’t go away.
Several patients reported having a tightening sensation in the neck area prior to a heart attack. Most people often dismiss neck pain. However, recurring pain that radiates from the neck down to the shoulders and extending to the left/right arm can be a sign of heart problems, according to Margie Latrella, co-author of the book titled Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthier Heart. When heart tissues are damaged, the nerves send “pain signals” along the spinal cord. These “pain signals”, which can be felt in painful twinges or in a tightening sensation, join with the nerves found in the neck and shoulders.
Linear pain in the jaw and ear areas.
Several post-heart attack patients also reported pain in these. Recent studies continue to study the link between persistent jaw/ear pain as a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). The pain is also felt in a linear way (from the jaw up to the ear) as opposed to having felt in one isolated spot alone. This happens when pain signals join with the nerves in the cervical vertebrae.
Heartburn, Indigestion, Nausea
A repeated tightening, squeezing sensation in the abdomen can be the result of an artery blockage that disrupts blood circulation. One study found out that women experience these symptoms twice more than men do several months prior to a heart attack. Moreover, a severe case of indigestion plus nausea can be a premature sign of myocardial infarction in women.
Sudden dizziness, fainting sensation, breathing problems.
Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association published a study wherein over 40% of all women participants reported having shortness of breath days before a heart attack. This happens when the heart has an insufficient oxygen supply due to artery blockage. If you suddenly feel these symptoms during normal activities or experience a sudden difficulty taking a deep breath, it’s best to get your heart checked out immediately.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
This is a common symptom of CAD. In one UK study, two out of three male participants reported having ED years before they found out they have heart problems. The arteries in the penis area are smaller, therefore showing damage signs earlier than most body parts. Recent studies supported this earlier report that most experts deem is necessary to have ED patients check out for CAD.
