The signs of an unhealthy heart can be subtle, and it is important to recognize them early to prevent complications. As an Internal Medicine Doctor in Singapore, I have seen many cases of cardiovascular diseases that could have been prevented if the warning signs were recognized earlier. In this blog, we will discuss some of the signs of an unhealthy heart that you should be aware of.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most common signs of an unhealthy heart. It can manifest as a feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. The pain may also radiate to other parts of the upper body, such as the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can occur due to many reasons, but it can also be a sign of an unhealthy heart. If you find yourself getting short of breath during activities that were previously easy for you, such as walking up a flight of stairs or carrying groceries, it could be a sign of a heart problem. In some cases, shortness of breath may occur even when you are at rest.
Fatigue
Feeling tired or fatigued can be a symptom of many illnesses, but it can also be a sign of an unhealthy heart. If you find that you are always tired or feel like you have no energy, it is important to consult an Internal Medicine Doctor in Singapore. Your doctor can help determine if your fatigue is due to a heart problem or some other underlying condition.
Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet can be a sign of an unhealthy heart, as it indicates a buildup of fluid in the body. This condition is known as edema and can occur due to heart failure or other heart problems.
Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, can be a sign of an unhealthy heart. It can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. In some cases, arrhythmia may not cause any symptoms, but in other cases, it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Swollen and Bleeding Gums
Did you know that swollen or bleeding gums could increase your risk of heart disease? When the gum infection is not properly addressed, the bacteria could migrate to the heart, causing inflammation of the arteries or heart valves.
What should you do if you show signs of an unhealthy heart?
While all the above symptoms may be due to heart related illness, they may also originate with other organs. It’s best to consult an internal medicine doctor to avoid unnecessary stress. An internal medicine doctor can do a comprehensive assessment to identify your heart condition, and evaluates your risk of heart diseases.
Internal medicine doctor can also help with preventive care as well as provide appropriate cardiovascular care to improve your chances against common heart diseases.
Remember, early detection and treatment can save lives.
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About Dr Adrian Mondry
Dr Adrian Mondry is a Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League in Singapore. He was previously a senior consultant in the department of medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), Dr Mondry has more than 30 years of experience in the field of internal medicine.
Dr Adrian Mondry is recognised for his leadership and contributions in establishing the dedicated hypertension clinic within the National University Health System and fast-track deep vein thrombosis service at NTFGH.
Dr Adrian Mondry is fluent in English, German and French.
About Kaizen Medical
Kaizen Medical is located at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Suite 11-57.
At Kaizen, we provide in depth health care to patients with multi-organs diseases; tackling undifferentiated presentations that cannot be easily assigned to a single organ.
