1. Panic attacks and stress
Many factors could lead to panic attacks and stress. From unpaid taxes to someone’s death, the reasons range from A to Z. In fact, according to Mental Health America, more than 55% of Americans with serious mental health issues like panic attacks don’t get treatment.
Depriving your mind and body of treatment could eventually lead to heart problems. There’s a strong connection between someone’s mental health and heart health. For instance, stress can cause a type of heart attack called takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a.k.a. ‘broken heart syndrome.’
Carolyn Dean, MD, a heart health specialist, and author says that even if chest pain is the number one symptom of coronary artery disease, it doesn’t mean it’s the only one. Anxiety, stress, and panic are others that indeed are less obvious, but all of them could signal a heart-related issue.
2. Shortness of breath
Once in a while, we all experience shortness of breath. Whether it is from an intense physical workout or an unpleasant event, shortness of breath is usually common and quite harmless. However, if it raises from virtually no obvious reason at all, it’s time to ask yourself a serious and pretty scary question: ‘Do I have heart problems?’
According to a practicing physician specializing in advanced heart failure, Andrew T. Darlington, who works at the Piedmont Heart Institute, one of the most common symptoms associated with heart failure is shortness of breath. So, how’s your ticker?
3. Frequent heartburn
Another seemingly innocent sign of a serious health issue is frequent heartburn. Sadly, heartburn is not seen as a serious health problem by most of us. Persistent heartburn should most definitely not be ignored since it could signal an underlying condition called Barrett’s esophagus.
People who have this condition are at a greater risk of developing esophageal cancer, so if you experience heartburn, do not hesitate, call your doctor immediately. The sooner your doctor detects the condition, the better.
