10 early signs indicating your parents need a heart check-up
No matter how much you nag your parents about it, they have a tendency to undermine health issues and neglect warning signs. This lack of vigilance can adversely impact their health and make them susceptible to some serious issues including heart diseases.
Talking about heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, there are some effective ways to track it. You can notice their behaviour, body language, for example, if they are breathing heavy or have high blood pressure. If you notice any such symptom, do not delay and get them checked.
Here are the 10 most common signs that you must look out for in your parents to know if they have a heart-related problem.
1. High blood pressure
With digital blood pressure measuring machines easily available in the market, it's very easy to keep a track of blood pressure. If your parents are above 50, make sure they check their blood pressure every week or 15 days if they don't have existing blood pressure issues. If they suffer from high blood pressure, you should check it regularly. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can make your heart work harder and cause a heart attack.
2. High blood sugar levels
High blood sugar can increase the risk of coronary artery disease as it can hamper the functioning of the blood vessels. Thus, checking blood sugar from time to time and managing it is important to maintain heart health.
3. Breathing difficulties
There is a close association between one's breathing and heart pumping the blood effectively. One might have breathing problems if the heart is unable to pump enough blood.
4. Chest pain
Many a times, our parents and even we ignore chest pain mistaking it for gas or acidity. If your parents feel an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or pain in the chest then it can be a sign of a heart attack. Having a blocked artery can lead to chest pain. In some rare cases, one might get a heart attack without any chest pain.
5. High cholesterol
High cholesterol can lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries causing heart problems. Get their cholesterol levels checked and ensure that they are consuming healthy foods like whole grains, green vegetables and fruits.
6. Feeling dizzy and suffering blackouts
If your parents are feeling dizzy, then you must get them checked immediately. Dizziness and blackout may indicate low blood pressure and inability of the heart to pump enough blood.
7. Throat and jaw pain
If your parents encounter chest pain that spreads to their throat and jaw, it can be an early symptom of an impending heart attack.
8. Vomiting, nausea and indigestion
If your parents feel nauseous followed by vomiting, which doesn't settle with time, it can be an early symptom of a heart attack.
9. Excessive sweating
If your parents sweat profusely, it can be a sign that they have a heart problem. Sweating for no reason can be a warning that your heart is unable to pump the blood properly.
10. Swelling in feet, legs and ankles
Swelling in legs, feet and ankles appear when the heart is unable to pump enough blood as it should.
- 09-Apr-2021
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