Is your heart as strong as you think? Here's how to tell

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is responsible for a quarter of all deaths in the UK each year, according to the British Heart Foundation. Adopting healthier diets, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking could significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Many people, especially the youth, assume their heart is healthy, but cardiologists reveals some commonly overlooked indications of a weak heart. Here are three, according to EatThisNotThat

Feeling dizzy

Dizziness is a common symptom caused by various factors, ranging from dehydration to blood sugar drops. However, it could be a sign of a heart condition if you experience dizziness along with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat. That’s according to Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies.

In some cases, dizziness can be caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which restricts blood flow to the heart. When this happens, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, and the lack of oxygen can cause lightheadedness and dizziness.

Lack of concentration

Another common symptom of heart disease presents as trouble concentrating, Dr Mitchell said. This is because when the heart isn't pumping enough blood, the body doesn't get the oxygen it needs to function correctly. This can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty paying attention. If you're noticing that you're having more trouble concentrating than usual, you must see a doctor.

Swelling in limb

Swelling in the hands and feet could be a sign of your heart not functioning as well as it should. Dr Mitchell explains it could be a symptom of congestive heart failure. When the heart can't pump blood effectively, the body's fluid backs up into the veins and causes them to swell. The veins in the hands and feet are particularly susceptible to this because they are relatively close to the skin's surface.

If you notice that your hands or feet are swollen, it's essential to see a doctor so that they can determine the cause and offer treatment.

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