How to know that your heart has started a countdown

Modern medicine increasingly says that the heart doesn't die suddenly - it sends signals in advance.

The problem is that many of us either don't know these signs or ignore them, attributing them to fatigue, stress, or age. But if you listen to your body in time, you can prevent disaster.

Main signs that the heart is "starting a countdown":

1. Constant fatigue and weakness
   If you feel depleted even after rest, and usual activities now cause shortness of breath - this is an alarming signal. The heart may not be coping with pumping blood.

2. Pain or discomfort in the chest
   Burning, squeezing, or even slight tingling in the chest area, especially during exertion or stress, may be symptoms of angina or ischemic heart disease.

3. Shortness of breath with minimal activity
   If you're out of breath when climbing stairs or during brisk walking, this may indicate heart failure.

4. Sleep disturbances and night awakenings
   Frequent awakenings during the night, especially with feelings of anxiety or shortness of breath, are reasons to see a doctor. This may be related to blood pressure fluctuations or heart rhythm irregularities.

5. Swelling of legs and feet
   The heart fails to effectively pump blood, causing fluid to accumulate in the lower part of the body.

6. Irregular pulse or heartbeat
   Disruptions in heart rhythm can be both a consequence of stress and a sign of serious diseases, including arrhythmia.

7. Dizziness and fainting
   If the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen due to poor heart function, this can lead to dizziness or even loss of consciousness.

What to do?

If one or more of these symptoms appear, it's important not to delay. See a cardiologist, get an ECG, heart ultrasound, and complete blood count. The earlier a problem is detected, the better the chances of avoiding heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.