As lifestyle patterns continue to shift, due to factors like increased screen time, sedentary behaviour, food habits and stress, many people find themselves at a heightened risk for cardiovascular health issues. These changes can contribute to an array of conditions that often go unnoticed until they become severe. Understanding the subtle signs of cardiovascular problems is vital for early detection and intervention.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as the leading cause of death globally. When you think of someone suffering from a cardiovascular issue, your mind immediately runs to the image of a person holding their chest tight due to pain. While chest pain is a common symptom of CVD, heart issues are often silent and can manifest over years through subtle signs that are easy to overlook.
In many cases, patients become aware of their heart condition or a previous heart attack only when they are examined for other health issues and undergo electrocardiogram or echocardiogram, says Dr (Prof.) Venkatesh T.K., Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru. “It is important to notice the subtle symptoms your body shows in the everyday life. Recognising these signs early can be crucial for timely intervention, treatment and prevention of larger conditions,” he adds.
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Here are five subtle signs that could indicate cardiovascular issues, suggested by Dr Venkatesh:
Ankle swelling: Swelling in the ankles, also known as edema, can occur for various reasons, including prolonged standing or pregnancy. However, it can also be a sign of heart failure. When the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently, fluid can accumulate in the lower extremities, leading to swelling. An important point to note - the retention of fluid in the lower extremities in such casesis bilateral, meaning that both the ankles will be swollen.
Unexplained fatigue: Feeling unusually tired after performing simple tasks like climbing stairs or doing household chores can be a sign of heart disease. This type of fatigue occurs because the heart is not pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the body's needs. Shortness of breath, high blood pressure, heart palpitations and chest pain could be other symptoms that accompany fatigue.
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Waking up at night to urinate: The heart, the kidneys and the bladder are related. Frequent nighttime urination, known as nocturia, can be a subtle sign of heart failure. When lying down, fluid that has accumulated in the legs during the day can return to the bloodstream and be filtered by the kidneys, leading to increased urination.
Leg or hip pain while walking or exercising: Pain in the legs or hips while walking or exercising, which eases with rest, can be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow and causing pain. The cramp or pain is the body’s way of indicating the lack of blood flow. Many people with PAD might be asymptomatic or mistake these symptoms for something else.
Skin discolouration: When you are exposed to cold elements, you might notice a change in your skin colour. This is quite common. However, if you notice a change in skin colour, such as a bluish or purplish tint, in a comfortable temperature, it could be an indication ofpoor blood circulation due to blockage of blood vessels. This can be a sign of various cardiovascular issues, including heart failure and peripheral artery disease.
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Consult a doctor and get them to evaluate the condition thoroughly before you get to a conclusion. Sometimes, the fatigue you experienced can be from lack of sleep and you probably woke up in the middle of the night to urinate because you drank too much water before bed.
However, if symptoms persist, make heart check-up a part of your health check. This will help you identify any underlying issues even before the body showcases any symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your health specialist for more information.
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