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Is Your Heart Trying to Tell You Something? 3 Signs to Take Seriously
Your heart works nonstop, quietly supporting everything you do. Most of the time, you don’t notice it at all, until something feels off. While not every symptom indicates a serious heart problem, certain signs shouldn’t be brushed aside or explained away as stress or the effects of aging.
As a primary care provider, Melita Tate, MD, encourages you to listen to your body and take early warning signs seriously. And since February is American Heart Month, now is the perfect time to review those warning signs.
Read on as we share some indicators that your heart is trying to tell you something and how our Grassroots Healthcare team in Tulsa, Oklahoma, can help.
1. Your chest discomfort keeps coming back
Chest pain doesn’t always feel dramatic or crushing. It can show up as pressure, tightness, burning, or an uncomfortable heaviness that comes and goes. Some people notice it during physical activity, while others feel it during rest or even emotional stress.
Even mild or intermittent chest discomfort deserves medical attention, especially if it’s new or worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or nausea. Your heart may be signaling that it’s under strain and needs evaluation.
New or severe chest pain should never be ignored. If you’re concerned about a possible heart emergency, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room right away.
2. You have shortness of breath during everyday activities
Getting winded after intense exercise is common. Feeling short of breath while climbing a few stairs, walking at a normal pace, or doing routine chores isn’t.
When your heart doesn’t pump efficiently, your body may struggle to deliver enough oxygen to meet your body’s needs. This can cause breathlessness, fatigue, or a sensation of being unable to catch your breath, known as dyspnea.
If this is happening more often or with less effort than before, it’s a sign worth taking seriously.
3. You have an irregular heartbeat
A racing heart, fluttering sensation, or skipped beats can feel unsettling. While occasional palpitations can be harmless, frequent or persistent changes in your heart rhythm may point to an underlying issue.
Bonus sign to take seriously: You’re always tired and swollen
Unexplained fatigue is another common but often overlooked warning sign. If you feel unusually tired despite adequate rest, or if everyday tasks suddenly feel exhausting, your heart may be working harder than it should.
You might also notice more swelling in your legs or ankles. Poor circulation can cause fluid to collect in your lower extremities. Fluid can also build up in your lungs. This is a serious condition known as pulmonary edema, and 80% of people with heart disease develop it.
Don’t brush off these warning signs
Heart-related symptoms don’t always follow a textbook pattern, and they can look different from person to person. Catching potential problems early allows you to start treatment sooner, which often leads to better outcomes and simpler, less invasive interventions.
It’s also important to remember that these symptoms aren’t always caused by a heart condition alone. Your heart can sometimes be the first indication that something else is going on in your body.
For example, heart palpitations may be related to anxiety, stress, or thyroid imbalances. All of these conditions can often be identified and managed through primary care.
How primary care can help
As your primary care provider, Dr. Tate can:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Listen to your heart with a stethoscope
- Check your blood pressure
- Order lab work to evaluate cholesterol and other heart-related markers
- Identify your personal risk factors early on
When needed, she can recommend medications and guide you through realistic lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management, that may help reduce your risk and prevent more serious heart issues down the road.
If something doesn’t feel right, we’re here to listen, evaluate your symptoms, and help you take the next right step before small warning signs turn into bigger concerns. Call or click to schedule an appointment today.