Your Heart Is Talking: Know the Signs & Protect Your Health

Your heart works for you every moment of every day, and it deserves regular care and attention. Heart Month in February is a great reminder to pause, check in on your heart health, and make small changes that can have a big impact over time. Heart problems can show up in many different ways, often with warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

“Understanding the symptoms that come with cardiovascular heart issues is extremely important,” said Dr. Seban Liu with Riverside Heart & Vascular Institute. “Whether you are experiencing symptoms that are commonly associated with heart issues such as chest pain or more vague and lasting symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or leg pains; early detection can significantly impact treatment outcomes and prevent severe complications.”

Some heart symptoms are more well known. Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations are common signs that something may be wrong. Chest discomfort can feel tight or heavy and may spread to the arms, shoulders, back, neck, or jaw. Shortness of breath can happen with or without chest pain and may point to heart failure or other heart conditions. Palpitations may feel like fluttering or a racing heartbeat and can signal an abnormal heart rhythm.

Other warning signs may be less obvious and are sometimes overlooked. Ongoing fatigue or weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea or stomach pain, and leg or foot swelling or cramping can all be related to heart or circulation issues. These symptoms can be especially important to pay attention to, as some people, particularly women, may not experience the “classic” chest pain commonly associated with heart problems.

Recognizing symptoms early and talking with your provider is critical. Sudden, severe chest pain or discomfort, especially when combined with shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, could signal a heart attack. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 right away.

Heart health is also about prevention, not just recognizing symptoms. Simple, everyday habits can make a meaningful difference in protecting your heart. Regular movement, heart-healthy eating, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding tobacco can all help lower your risk of heart disease. Keeping up with routine check-ups and screenings allows providers to catch concerns early, sometimes before symptoms even appear.

It is also important to know that some people may not experience noticeable symptoms at all. This makes preventive care especially important for those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease. Regular visits with a primary care provider can help you understand your personal risk and take steps to protect your heart.

Dr. Liu reminds us “Early detection and intervention significantly improves how patients feel, how they are able to do daily activities, and allows them to live longer and happier lives. Prioritizing heart health through lifestyle changes and regular health check-ups remains the foundation of maintaining a healthy heart.”

If you think you could be at risk for heart disease, start by talking with your primary care provider. They can help determine when it may be time to see a cardiologist and what steps you can take to protect your heart. Don’t have a primary care provider? Riverside can help. Learn more about primary care at riversidehealthcare.org/primarycare.