Recognizing Early Symptoms Can Save Lives:
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that recognizing warning signs early can truly save lives. The American Heart Association emphasizes that prevention and awareness are key: many heart problems develop quietly over time, and symptoms may appear subtle before a major event like a heart attack. By staying alert to what your body is telling you—and keeping track of risk factors such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure—you can take action before things become critical. If you have any family history of heart disease, then it it is never too early to protect your heart.
Early Symptoms of Heart Problems
The American Heart Association identifies several common early warning signs that should never be ignored:
- Chest discomfort or pressure (sometimes described as heaviness or squeezing)
- Shortness of breath, even during normal activities
- Unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back
These symptoms may come and go, or they may feel mild at first. But even subtle discomfort can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart, a warning of more serious events ahead.
Women’s Symptoms Can Look Different
For women, the warning signs often don’t fit the classic “chest pain” image we see in movies. The American Heart Association notes that women are more likely to experience what are often called “atypical” symptoms, such as:
- Nausea, indigestion, or stomach pain
- Shortness of breath without chest pain
- Unusual fatigue, sometimes weeks before a heart event
- Jaw, neck, or upper back discomfort
Because these symptoms can mimic less serious conditions, they are often overlooked. Many women have reported being dismissed or misdiagnosed in emergency situations. That’s why it’s especially important for women to be aware of their unique risk profile and to speak up about any concerning symptoms.
My own experience included questionable symptoms leading up to my heart event. When I looked back on the months prior, I realized that I had many warning signs that I should have acted on, but I didn’t. Please, don’t ignore them.
Risk Factors That Need Monitoring
Recognizing symptoms is one part of prevention—but equally important is understanding and monitoring the factors that increase your risk. Knowing your personal numbers and the impact they have on your heart health is key for taking quick preventative action. If your levels are higher than the recommended numbers, take action now to lower your risk.
1. Cholesterol and Triglycerides
High levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, narrowing the pathways blood needs to flow. HDL (“good” cholesterol) helps clear LDL from the bloodstream, but if HDL is too low, your risk increases.
How to monitor:
- Ask your doctor for a lipid panel at least every 4–6 years, or more often if you already have risk factors.
- Keep track of your results and know your target ranges: ideally, LDL below 100 mg/dL, HDL above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women, and triglycerides under 150 mg/dL.
2. High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because it often has no obvious symptoms. Over time, high blood pressure damages arteries and makes the heart work harder, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How to monitor:
- Use a home blood pressure monitor and check at least once to a few times a week.
- Record your readings to share with your doctor.
- Aim for less than 120/80 mmHg unless otherwise directed by your physician.
- Also monitor your heart rate at rest and during exercise.
3. Family History
Genetics play a major role in heart health. If your parents, siblings, or grandparents had early cardiovascular disease, your risk is higher.
How to monitor:
- Learn your family medical history and share it with your healthcare team.
- Consider genetic screening if recommended.
- Take preventive action earlier, especially if you have a strong family history.
4. High Stress Levels
Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, increase inflammation, and even contribute to unhealthy habits like overeating or smoking.
How to monitor your stress levels:
- Check in with yourself daily: notice physical signs like tension, poor sleep, or irritability.
- Use stress-reduction strategies such as walking, deep breathing, mindfulness, or journaling.
- Track stress triggers in a planner or app to better understand patterns.
Why Acting Early Matters
Catching symptoms or risk factors early allows for lifestyle changes, medications, or treatments that can dramatically reduce your chances of a major event. For example, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure may prevent blocked arteries; addressing stress may reduce strain on the heart; and paying attention to fatigue or shortness of breath may catch heart disease in its earlier stages. The earlier you start to protect your heart, the better chance you have to lower your risk before anything major happens.
Taking Proactive Steps
Here are simple ways to protect yourself:
- Schedule regular checkups and discuss any new or unusual symptoms with your doctor.
- Know your numbers: cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar.
- Adopt heart-healthy eating habits, such as eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and less processed and sugar added foods.
- Stay physically active, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Keep moving every day.
- Reduce stress with practices that calm your body and mind. Such as Tai Chi, yoga, nature walks, or soothing activities.
Last Thoughts
Your heart often whispers before it shouts. Paying attention to early warning signs—and being proactive about monitoring cholesterol, blood pressure, stress, and family history—can make all the difference. Whether you’re watching out for yourself or someone you love, remember that recognizing and acting on symptoms promptly can truly save lives.
Read more about how Tracking Your Heart Rate is important.