Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs of Heart Issues in Men

Early Heart Disease Symptoms in Men: What You Might Be Ignoring

Heart disease is an umbrella term, encompassing a number of heart conditions, and it is the top cause of death for men in the United States. When you think about heart attacks, you probably envision sudden, intense symptoms, like crushing chest pain, but in fact, heart disease is often much subtler than that. Silent heart attacks, which happen without symptoms, make up 45 percent of heart attacks and are more common in men than in women. The good news is that these heart attacks are not entirely without symptoms, as long as you know what to notice.

Why Heart Disease Often Goes Unnoticed in Men?

Often, men are conditioned to “power through” when they don’t feel well. This can lead them to overlook male heart attack signs, especially if the symptoms are mild. For example, a man might think he’s been working too hard if he is experiencing fatigue, and heart disease may not even be something he considers as a possible cause. Even chest pain in men can be ignored, which can be dangerous. If you have pressure, tightness, or pain in your chest, or if pain is radiating down the left side of your body, seek medical care immediately.

Silent Warning Signs of Heart Issues

Chest pain and pain that travels down your arm you’ve probably heard about before, as they are the main symptoms talked about in terms of heart trouble. So, what are the silent signs of heart disease?

A feeling of indigestion could actually be your heart. Feeling nauseous or having heartburn or indigestion can sometimes indicate a heart attack. If a feeling of nausea or indigestion comes upon you quickly and is accompanied by sweating, fatigue, and breathlessness, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
There are many reasons that your jaw, throat, neck, or shoulder could hurt. However, if the pain in one of those areas originates in the chest, you may be having a heart attack. Get medical attention, just to be safe.
Dizziness or feeling light-headed could be a momentary feeling. If the feeling lasts, or if it is accompanied by chest discomfort and breathlessness, medical attention may be needed, because it could mean the heart is not pumping as effectively as it should.
Feeling fatigued after minimal exercise can be a red flag. If you feel exhausted or fatigued after climbing stairs or carrying in the groceries, make an appointment with your doctor. Unexplained fatigue for several days may need to be addressed immediately, rather than waiting for an appointment.
Unexplained sweating should also be addressed. If you are sweating for no reason and have other suspicious symptoms, get to the hospital. Cold sweats are the body’s way of alerting you to a problem.
If your heart races when you are not excited, take notice. An unexplained irregular heartbeat can be a sign of heart trouble if it happens in conjunction with chest pain or pressure, breathlessness, palpitations, or dizziness. If you notice this happening, see a cardiologist.
Swollen legs, feet, or ankles indicate a circulatory issue. When the heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently, blood can accumulate in the veins. That, coupled with your kidneys’ less effective function because of your heart issue, leads to swelling and bloating.

When to Seek Help: Don’t Wait for a Crisis

For any of the signs listed above, take the attitude that it is better to be safe than sorry. Seeing a doctor can rule out heart issues if there is no problem. If there is a problem, it’s much better to catch it early, before you are in a cardiac crisis.

Prevention Tips for Men

How do you protect yourself from heart disease? You probably already know the answer. Exercise regularly, avoid tobacco, limit alcoholic beverages, and eat a nutrient-dense diet, full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Additionally, learn to manage stress, stay at a weight that is healthy for you, and see your doctor regularly or visit ReVaMP Heart & Vascular Institute. Your doctor can advise you on your heart attack risk, and help you successfully manage your health.

Concerned About Silent Male Heart Attack Signs? Book a Screening with ReVaMP

At ReVaMP Heart & Vascular Institute, our dedicated physicians specialize in treating a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, with leading-edge technologies, innovative procedures, and a patient-centered approach. Since 2021, we have been serving patients within the Philadelphia and Southern NJ regions, treating a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, with a focus on preventative and minimally invasive care. We provide coronary, structural, peripheral arterial, and vascular disease interventions, in order to enhance our patients’ quality of life and renew their health and well-being. With our tailored approach, we take the time to understand each patient’s needs, in order to craft a treatment plan that enhances quality of life. For more information about our modern, patient-focused cardiovascular care and treatment, contact us today for more information.