Heart Disease Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Heart Problems?

Heart disease can creep up without dramatic warning signs. In fact, many people don’t know they have it until they experience a major event like a heart attack. But there are symptoms to watch for:

• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
• Shortness of breath (especially during light activity)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms
• Irregular heartbeat or fluttering sensation
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Dizziness or fainting
  

Latinas, in particular, may experience more subtle symptoms—like nausea, indigestion, or back pain—which are often brushed off as stress or just being tired. Don’t ignore those signs.

Even emotional health plays a role: research shows that chronic stress, depression, and lack of sleep can increase your risk of heart disease.