Top Warning Signs That You May Have Heart Problems

Snoring

Do you or your partner snore, and if so, is it loud? It is fairly common for individuals to snore when they sleep, but there is a certain level of snoring that could be a cause for concern and could indicate a patient may be dealing with heart issues. For instance, if an individual is snoring incredibly loudly and sounds like they are gasping for air, then they could have a condition known as sleep apnea. This condition is described as the process in which the body stops breathing for a few seconds and then tries to recover.

Sleep apnea can be addressed by a doctor, and modern technology can help regulate a patient’s breathing by using an oxygen ventilator with a mask while they sleep. However, an individual should get tested for sleep apnea through a sleep study, as this condition can put an extreme amount of pressure on the heart, and to rule out any other possible heart issues the patient may be afflicted with.

Persistent Coughing

In many cases, a persistent cough that a patient can not get rid of is a sign of the common cold. However, it also can be a sign of heart failure if the patient is coughing up white or pink blood-tinged mucus, due to blood getting into the lungs. Specifically, chronic coughing or wheezing is due to fluid congestion, or a buildup of fluid in the lungs, and is a common sign of heart failure, hence why doctors refer to it as congestive heart failure (CHF). The heart may not be able to keep pace with the demands the body is putting on it, resulting in blood getting into the lungs and causing a buildup of fluid. If a patient continuously experiences a chronic cough for months that they can not get rid of, then they should have their doctor check it out as soon as possible to determine if it is caused by heart failure.