What Are the Signs of an Unhealthy Heart?

We’re all familiar with the COVID-19 pandemic, but there’s another health crisis that’s sweeping the nation: heart disease. This term describes multiple conditions that impact heart health, including blood vessel diseases, heart defects, abnormal heart rhythms, infections and several other cardiovascular disorders.

Check out these shocking heart disease statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men, women and people of most ethnic and racial groups in the United States.
• In the United States, heart disease is responsible for about 1 in every 4 deaths.
• Someone in America has a heart attack every 40 seconds.
• One person dies from cardiovascular disease every 36 seconds in the United States.

Is your heart healthy? You may think that the signs of heart disease are obvious, but this isn’t always the case. Here are some of the most common indicators of an unhealthy heart:

• An unusually slow, fast or pounding heartbeat
• Persistent snoring or sleeping problems
• Pressure or aching in the chest or shoulder, particularly towards the left side
• Unrelenting fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Unexplained cold sweats
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, abdomen or around the eyes
• Skin that appears bluish or pale gray
• Chest pressure that occurs or worsens with physical activity

Heart disease is often easier to treat when it is caught early. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to promptly speak with your primary care physician. He or she may refer you to a cardiologist who is specially trained to address heart disease and related health concerns.

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately or visit the nearest emergency room if you or someone around you:

• Is having trouble breathing
• Has severe or sudden chest pain
• Can’t speak clearly
• Is suddenly confused or dizzy
• Notices a sudden change in vision

Our Approach to Heart Health

Tufts Medical Center Community Care provides comprehensive cardiology services in the community. Featuring more than 120 skilled clinicians, our multispecialty medical group includes a growing team of cardiologists who collaborate with primary care doctors and other specialists within our expansive physician network. By delivering expertly coordinated care, our patients benefit from heart health services that are easy to access, streamlined and simple to manage.

Contact Tufts Medical Center Community Care today to learn more about our cardiology services or to schedule an appointment with a clinician on our team. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and can help direct you to the best physician for your needs. Our practice is in network with most health insurance providers, including Tricare and Medicare, and offers telemedicine appointments with many of our physicians—call us to find out if telemedicine is right for you.