Heart disease has become more common over the last few decades. With unhealthy eating habits and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, there is extreme pressure on this vital organ. While heart disease may not always have noticeable symptoms, there are several early warning signs to watch out for. Learning about them can help individuals recognize them early, giving them a better chance at averting the risk by making lifestyle changes and seeking timely professional help.

Here are a few early signs to look out for:

1. Chest pain
Chest pain is one of the most common warning signs of an underlying heart condition. It generally happens because of poor blood flow when the heart does not receive enough blood or oxygen. This is referred to as angina, and it may cause pain that feels different for everyone. Some may experience debilitating pain, while others may only feel a slight discomfort.

2. Pain that spreads to the arm
Pain that begins in the chest and spreads to the left side of the body, especially the arm, is noted to be a classic sign of a heart attack.

3. Shortness of breath
A weakened heart cannot pump blood effectively into the body. This causes the blood to back up in the veins, which can be fatal. As this occurs, the fluid may also go into the lungs, causing shortness of breath, a symptom of heart failure.

4. Excess cough
If fluid begins to collect in the lungs, it may also lead to coughing and wheezing. In some cases, the mucus may carry traces of blood.

5. Swelling in the lower half of the body
As the heart loses the power to pump blood throughout the body, the blood flow may also slow down and collect in the veins that run through the legs. This fluid buildup is known as an edema.

6. Fatigue
Fatigue could be a result of several factors, including heart disease. One may feel more tired than usual, experience extreme, unexplained, or sudden weakness, or even feel too tired to complete daily activities.

7. Palpitations
Palpitation is the feeling of a racing heart. As the heart weakens, it needs to beat faster to pump blood to the rest of the body. This racing heartbeat is called tachycardia.

One should note that some of these symptoms may also appear in other conditions. Consult a doctor for a professional diagnosis when they appear to be in need of timely treatment.