When you are experiencing a heart attack, time is of utmost essence. And while a majority of patients ignore heart symptoms, these symptoms require immediate medical care. But note that cardiac illnesses don’t always come with prior warnings.

There is not always a chest clutch and a fall to the floor as typically depicted in movies. Based on the inputs of various cardiologists, some heart symptoms don’t even occur or develop in the chest. Following are the seven possible heart symptoms you should know.

1. Chest Pain

This symptom is one of the most common signs of a heart attack. If you’re having a cardiac attack and your artery is blocked, you might experience a crushing and squeezing sensation in your heart.

Note that each individual experiences this pain differently. Some describe it as burning pain, while others feel like a heavy object has been placed on their chest. This pain usually lasts more than a few minutes. Heart ailments can occur without chest pain in diabetics.  

2. Heart Palpitations

If you feel your heart racing for longer than what seems normal, you should consult a cardiologist immediately. To be precise, it is pretty normal to feel heart palpitations during exercising or walking.

However, palpitations that continue for hours are minutes aren’t normal. Palpitations are a sign of atrial fibrillation that changes the rhythm of the heart. If you have been experiencing heart palpitations for quite some time now, consult with a doctor.  

3. Stomach Pain, Heartburn or Nausea

Stomach pain is one of the most commonly ignored heart symptoms. Since this symptom usually depicts an issue with the stomach, individuals tend to ignore it. Even persistent heartburn and nausea can indicate a heart attack.

Hence, if you have been experiencing stomach pain, heartburn and nausea for quite some time, it is time to consult your doctor. Identification of the symptoms can save you from the dangers of a heart attack.

4. A Cough that doesn’t go away

In most cases, a persistent cough can be the main indicator that you’ll have a heart attack. But if you are suffering from heart disease or know that you are at risk, ensure that you pay close attention to the persistent cough.

If you have a persistent cough that develops a pink or white mucous, it indicates serious issues with your heart. This usually happens when your heart is unable to keep pace with your body’s demands. This causes blood to flow back into the lungs.

5. Inconsistent Heartbeat

It is pretty normal for your heart to race when you’re excited or anxious. However, if you feel that you’ve had an irregular heartbeat for more than a few seconds, it is better to seek prompt medical attention.

In most scenarios, the cause of an irregular heartbeat can be easily fixed. For instance, consuming too much caffeine or sleeping less can increase your heartbeat. But in most cases, it can be a heart symptom and indicates severe problems.

6. Feeling Lightheaded or Dizzy

There are various reasons behind feeling lightheaded or dizzy. For instance, fluctuating blood pressure levels can make you feel dizzy. It can also happen because of standing up fast, or you are fasting for a long.

But if you suddenly feel dizzy or unsteady, contact a doctor at the earliest. Moreover, if you are feeling lightheaded and experiencing shortness of breath, it is crucial to consult a doctor at the earliest.

7. Snoring Excessively

It is normal to feel snore when you’re sleeping. But unusually loud snoring that resembles gasping or choking can be a symptom of sleep apnea. It is at that time when you stop breathing for several moments when you are sleeping.

It puts extra pressure on your heart. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, consult with a reputed cardiologist. The doctor can check whether you require specific treatment procedures. You may need a CPAP machine to even out your breathing.

So as you can see, there are several symptoms associated with heart illnesses. Consulting with an experienced cardiologist will be ideal for determining the right course of treatment. If you have been experiencing these symptoms for a long, it is time to schedule an appointment with your cardiologist.