by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: October 26, 2010

Heart disease has become a major health hazard in the modern day society and many campaigns and programs are being launched to educate the public regarding the risk factors for heart disease and how to detect a classical heart disease. But, there are many overlooked facets related to heart disease which can go unnoticed by both the patients as well as by the clinicians if vigilance is not maintained. Thus, this article hopes to give an insight into some of the findings derived through recent research in relation to some of the overlooked signs of heart diseases that may help in detecting possible heart attacks before it actually develops into such level.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which conducted the research and published their findings in the American Heart Institute journal, refers the following symptoms as some of the most overlooked signs before a person develops heart disease or a heart attack for that matter.

Feeling of nausea and stomach pain:

This seems to catch the most attention as it is a rather common symptom that we all experience from time to time. But, in case it is something new, and progresses rapidly with unusual frequency, it may need to be investigated because of its possible link with a heart disease.

Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder:

A pain which comes and disappear but not lasting as if it is a muscle strain can be linked with a heart disease although many other factors can also cause such a pain.

Sexual dysfunction:

Among the interesting findings, sexual dysfunction or more correctly ‘erectile impotence’ has been linked with a possible future event of a heart disease as the impotency might be due to arterial blockage which could also be taking place in coronary arteries as well.

Excessive fatigue and breathlessness:

If there is a sudden or progressive feeling of excessive fatigability and shortness of breath, it may be because the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to the tissues and therefore a heart disease can be a possible factor.

Leg swelling:

When the heart is not able to pump adequately, it does not promote the blood returning from other tissues such as from the legs to be efficiently re-distributed as well. Therefore, blood can get pooled in dependant parts leading to swelling of the ankle and legs or even the sacral area in bed bound individuals.

Apart from the above manifestations, the researchers also indicate the possibility of sleeplessness, insomnia, anxiety, flu like symptoms, rapid heart rate…etc could also manifest earlier than a heart disease in susceptible individuals.

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