Heart attack in people under the age of 40 has increased significantly in recent times, and factors such as sedentary lifestyleunhealthy food choices and CovidIts adverse effects on the heart are often attributed to this unfortunate tendency. There are factors beyond our control like family history but one can always make lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease and chronic diseases that can indirectly affect the heart. If you find it hard to breathe while climbing stairs or in the middle of the night, it’s time to get checked out. In addition, swelling in the legs or intermittent fainting are other signs that the heart is not well and should not be ignored. (Also read: Heart health: Lifestyle changes for children to prevent heart attacks later in life.
Modern lifestyle stress is increasingly becoming a risk factor for heart attacks, and with the advancement of technology, people are becoming less active than before. It’s important to stay active throughout the day even if the nature of your job is sedentary. Walking as much as possible, taking the stairs whenever possible, sleeping on time, eating healthy, and staying away from tobacco and alcohol can all help keep your heart healthy.
Dr Vijay Kumar, Director – Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, New Delhi shares with us the top signs and symptoms of a healthy heart that you should not ignore.
Shortness of breath on exertion
If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or pain in your chest, palpitations on exertion, then these symptoms indicate that you have a high chance of having heart disease.
Difficulty breathing in the middle of the night
If you wake up at night and suddenly have trouble breathing and get better when you sit up, you probably have heart disease.
Swollen feet or difficulty climbing stairs
If you notice swelling in your legs and shortness of breath while walking or climbing stairs, you may have heart disease related to heart valve disease or weak muscles.
Family history
If you have a family history of heart disease or risk factors such as bad cholesterol, bad sugar, high blood pressure, there is a good chance that your heart may not be healthy.
fainting spells
If you have episodes of fainting spells, heart disease should not be ruled out.
Chest pain or heaviness
If you suddenly have severe or heavy chest pain or burning in the central part of your chest, spreading to your jaw/left arm and the discomfort is increasing over time, it is usually a sign of a heart attack. heart attack is in progress and should be consulted for a cardiologist
Tired
Easy fatigue, shortness of breath when exerting little should also alert the possibility of heart disease.
