Did you know that the average age for men who have their first heart attack is approximately 65 years old? Unfortunately, this could occur at a much younger age if you don’t keep your heart health in check.
So, it’s essential to understand the signs of unhealthy heart performance. This also includes understanding what constitutes an unhealthy heart rate.
Although it might seem difficult at first, it’s much easier than you may think to do so. Let’s take a look at how you can recognize a healthy heart.
What Are the Signs of an Unhealthy Heart?
As you might guess, understanding the symptoms of poor heart health is crucial when it comes to avoiding complications. There is a handful that you should know about. Let’s get started.
Shortness of Breath
This is a feeling of being unable to catch your breath or take in enough air. It can creep up on you slowly or happen suddenly. More often than not, it’s a sign that your heart isn’t pumping as efficiently as it should be.
Fatigue or Extreme Tiredness
This is more than just feeling weary after a long day. It’s an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that doesn’t go away with rest. It can also make completing everyday tasks feel impossible.
Fatigue is often one of the first signs that something is wrong with your heart.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
This can feel like a tightness, fullness, or pressure in your chest. It might even be accompanied by pain radiating down your arm or into your jaw.
If you experience chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away as it could be a sign of a heart attack.
Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat (also called arrhythmia) is when your heart rate is faster or slower than normal. It can feel like your heart is skipping beats, fluttering, or pounding.
While an irregular heartbeat isn’t usually harmful, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Swelling in Your Legs, Ankles, or Feet
This could be the result of fluid buildup (called edema) or inflammation. Swelling can make it difficult to walk or even stand for long periods of time. Swelling is a particularly concerning indicator of poor heart health if you also have other symptoms.
Lightheadedness or Dizziness
This involves feeling like you might faint or pass out.
It can be accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or nausea. If you experience lightheadedness or dizziness, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, since it could be a sign of something serious.
What Are the Causes of Poor Heart Health?
In order to keep your heart healthy, it’s imperative that you avoid the causes of poor heart health. This is the only way you can avoid complications in the future. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of poor heart health. It’s estimated that smoking increases your risk of having a heart attack by two to three times.
Additionally, it puts you at a higher risk for other conditions, such as stroke and aneurysms.
High Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is too high, it puts a strain on your heart. This can damage your blood vessels and lead to conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. You can lower your blood pressure by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that’s found in your blood. If you have too much cholesterol, it can build up in your arteries and make it difficult for blood to flow through them. So, be sure that you keep your cholesterol in check.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it doesn’t use insulin properly. This can cause a build-up of sugar in your blood. Over time, this can damage your nerves and blood vessels.
Obesity
If you’re obese, it means you have too much body fat.
This puts a strain on your heart and can lead to conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. You can lower your risk by losing weight in a healthy way, which means avoiding crash diets or excessive exercise routines.
A Sedentary Lifestyle
If you have a sedentary lifestyle, it means you don’t get much physical activity. This can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Being active for at least 30 minutes each day can make significant improvements.
Unhealthy Diet
An unhealthy diet can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. You can lower your risk by eating a healthy diet that’s low in fat, salt, and sugar. You should also focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
This article by Kenneth R. Chien provides useful insight into regenerative treatment for heart failure.
Stress
If you’re constantly under stress, it can take a toll on your heart. This is because stress raises your blood pressure and heart rate. Meditating and eliminating stressors in your life are great ways to help improve this situation.
Preventing an Unhealthy Heart Is Easier Than It Seems
Although there are plenty of causes of an unhealthy heart, keeping yours in good shape is easier than it seems. As long as you keep the above guidelines in mind, you’ll be sure to do so when moving forward.
Looking for other useful lifestyle info? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog.
