After reading about an X user, who shared a story of how her father died from heart disease at age 56 after going for replacement surgery at age 50 and the X user, bearing the same heart condition but still keeping hopes alive, I became curious to know why, how to detect a weak heart, and what to do about it.
“My father suffered heart disease from birth. Had a valve replacement surgery at 50 and died of cardiac arrest at 56. I have the same thing he had, except I went into heart failure at 30, and I keep telling guys… You cannot stress me. There’s a literal metal prosthesis in my heart,” the X user
Research from WHO explained that about 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 2019.
The report acknowledged that 32% of deaths recorded are attributed to CVDs, revealing the health condition as the leading cause of death globally, while 85% were as a result of heart attack and stroke.
Remember that your heart beats 100,000 times to complete its pump of eight pints of blood for proper functioning of your entire body system, from delivering oxygen to easing muscle movement.
It is difficult to spot when your heart is growing weak day by day. Some symptoms were shared by the head of the school of medical sciences at the University of Manchester, Prof. Tony Heagerty, to be kept in check and stay alert.
Below are the signs that your heart may be in trouble and need urgent medical help:
- When you struggle to hold things
When you find it difficult to hold things like door handles, tennis rackets, and others. If you experience other worrying symptoms outside poor grip strength, like breathlessness and chest pain, you are advised to seek medical attention from your doctor because a flourishing and healthy heart provides extra blood and oxygen around your body.
But when you have the underlying heart condition, the circulation of the blood will be limited, and the organs will begin to deteriorate while you experience that your strength level is weak.
Prof. Heagerty said, “Therefore your muscles are weakened and your grip strength is reduced.”
- Indigestion-Like DiscomfortIf you feel a burning or aching sensation in your chest, it could just be indigestion—or it might signal a heart issue. Since the nerves connected to your stomach and heart are similar, it can be hard to tell the difference.
A key distinction is that heart-related chest pain often arises during physical activity and eases with rest, while indigestion typically occurs after eating. If you notice indigestion-like pain after exercise, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor.
- A Choking or Tight Feeling in Your ThroatChest pain caused by angina—a condition where narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to your heart—can also cause a choking or tightening sensation in your throat.
This happens because your heart struggles to pump enough blood, leading to a buildup of lactic acid.
If this sensation becomes more frequent or occurs with minimal physical activity, see your doctor promptly, as it may indicate a severe narrowing of your coronary arteries and increase your risk of a heart attack.
- Observed Swollen Ankles
Persistent swelling in your ankles could be a sign of heart failure, where the heart fails to pump blood effectively. This inefficient circulation causes fluid to pool in your lower limbs.
Although other factors like medications, weight, or varicose veins can also cause swelling, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor. They can determine if your heart is involved and decide if further evaluation is necessary.
- Aching in Your Calves
A dull ache in your calves, behind your knees, or even in your buttocks might point to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This condition restricts blood flow to your legs, often due to smoking, high cholesterol, or hypertension.
The discomfort typically appears during exercise and subsides with rest. If you experience pain that persists even while resting, consult your doctor immediately, as it could signal a critical blockage requiring urgent attention.
- Pain in Your Shoulders, Arms, or Jaw
Heart problems sometimes manifest as pain in your shoulders, arms, or jaw, rather than your chest. This referred pain occurs because nerve signals from your heart are connected to these areas.
If you notice this pain during physical activity, it’s worth getting it checked by your GP. However, he said, if the pain arises while you’re at rest, “it’s an emergency, and patients should take an aspirin and present at the A&E department of their local hospital.”
How to protect your heart from failing
Protecting your heart starts with living a healthy lifestyle. Here’s how you can reduce your risk of heart problems:
Stay Active
Regular exercise is essential for a strong heart, Prof. Heagerty advised. It helps your heart pump blood more efficiently, lowers cholesterol, and keeps your blood pressure in check.
Aim to include physical activity in your routine to maintain overall heart health.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of sugar, salt, and saturated fats, as these can increase your risk of conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes—all of which contribute to heart disease.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Smoking is a major cause of atherosclerosis, a condition where your arteries narrow, making it harder for blood to flow. This increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
