Silent Signals: Unexpected Signs Your Heart May Be in Trouble
When we think of heart problems, we often imagine crushing chest pain or dramatic shortness of breath. But sometimes, the heart sends more subtle warning signs that are easy to overlook. These symptoms may not seem related to the heart at all, but ignoring them could be dangerous.
Knowing these less obvious signs—and how they can differ between men and women—can help you recognize when it’s time to seek medical attention.
1. Unexplained Fatigue That Won’t Go Away
Feeling exhausted for no clear reason could be your heart struggling to keep up. This type of fatigue isn’t just feeling tired after a long day—it’s a deep, unshakable sense of exhaustion.
- Women, in particular, may notice feeling drained even after mild activities like grocery shopping or making the bed.
- Men are more likely to dismiss extreme tiredness, but if it comes on suddenly, it shouldn’t be ignored.
2. Sleep Disturbances and Restlessness
Many people don’t realize that poor sleep can be linked to heart trouble. If you find yourself waking up frequently, struggling to breathe, or feeling restless at night, your heart may not be functioning properly.
- Sleep apnea—a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep—is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Women with heart issues are more likely to report trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Men often experience snoring and gasping for air, which could indicate oxygen deprivation.
3. Jaw, Neck, or Upper Back Pain
Heart pain isn’t always felt in the chest. Sometimes, it radiates to other areas, making it easy to mistake for muscle strain or a dental issue.
- Women are more likely to experience pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back rather than in the chest.
- Men tend to report left arm pain, but some may feel discomfort in the shoulders or throat.
If you have unexplained discomfort in these areas that comes and goes or worsens with activity, it could be heart-related.
4. Persistent Nausea or Digestive Issues
Heart problems can sometimes feel like an upset stomach, acid reflux, or even food poisoning.
- Nausea, vomiting, bloating, or indigestion that doesn’t seem to have a clear cause could be a red flag.
- Women are more likely to experience stomach-related symptoms before or during a heart attack.
If you feel unwell after eating, experience sudden appetite loss, or have ongoing stomach discomfort, it might not just be your digestive system—it could be your heart.
5. Lightheadedness or Feeling Like You Might Faint
Dizziness and feeling like you’re about to pass out can be signs that your heart isn’t pumping enough blood to the brain.
- This can happen suddenly, even when standing up too fast.
- It could be linked to low blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms, which can increase stroke and heart attack risk.
If dizziness is frequent, unexplained, or paired with chest discomfort, seek medical attention.
6. Cold Sweats and Unusual Anxiety
A sudden, clammy sweat—especially if you’re not exercising or overheating—can be a silent sign of heart distress.
- Some people mistake it for a symptom of stress or panic attacks.
- Women experiencing heart trouble often report feeling anxious or having a sense of doom before a heart event.
If you break out in a sweat for no reason and feel off, don’t ignore it—it could be your body’s way of warning you.
Trust Your Body’s Signals
Heart symptoms aren’t always obvious, and they don’t always follow the classic “Hollywood heart attack” scene. If something feels different or unusual, listen to your body and don’t dismiss the warning signs. A quick check-up with your primary care provider could make all the difference.
The contents of this article have been reviewed by Rosario Alfaro, APN with Shore Physicians Group. Rosario treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s Primary Care office located at 2605 Shore Road in Northfield. To schedule an appointment with her, call 609-365-5300.
