Rapid heartbeat, swollen ankles, chest pain spreading to the arms, and fainting often signal heart damage, myocardial infarction, or atrial fibrillation.
The heart works silently, pumping blood to every organ in the body. Heart diseases can occur due to unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, diabetes or advanced age with many warning signs.
Swelling in the ankles or legs
These are signs that fluid is seeping into the tissue (edema). Swelling is often caused by heart failure or kidney dysfunction. When the heart’s pumping function declines, blood cannot circulate effectively, leading to stagnation in the legs and fluid leaking into surrounding tissue. The patient feels obvious swelling after a period of standing or sitting.
Heart pounding or pounding
A strong, pounding heartbeat signals arrhythmia. The most common form is atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. You may notice your heart suddenly beating faster or missing a beat. Sometimes patients have palpitations accompanied by dizziness or difficulty breathing. Getting a check-up to evaluate your heart health is essential to prevent complications. Normally, palpitations are harmless and can be caused by stress, anxiety, or caffeine.
Chest pain spreading to the arm
Chest pain that spreads to the arms, jaw, neck or back is a sign of angina or even a heart attack. The discomfort is often described as heaviness, pressure, or pressure. This condition begins to appear with activity or stress. Muscle pain warns the heart of not getting enough blood supply.
Chest pain that spreads to the arm can be a warning sign of a heart attack. Illustration created by AI
Fainting when the heart beats fast
People who faint during or immediately after a nervous episode often have heart rhythm problems such as tachycardia or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If left uncontrolled, these arrhythmias are life-threatening. If the patient suddenly loses consciousness or feels unusually weak when the heart beats irregularly, he or she should see a doctor.
Pulse is rapid and irregular
A rapid, irregular pulse is often a sign of atrial fibrillation. This is a common heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke. If ignored, the condition can lead to heart failure or impaired brain function. Each person can check their pulse by pressing on their wrist or neck. If your pulse is rapid and irregular, see your doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.