A lot of unexpected things could be the sign of a heart problem, and it’s easy to miss the symptoms. Here are just some things that you should get checked out, even if they seem normal. After all, it's best to just be on the safe side.
- Blue fingers and toes. If any of your appendages, ears, nose, or cheeks are going blue, it may be a sign of lack of oxygen reaching your tissues. This could be a sneaky sign of heart failure, so talk to your doctor if any part of your body gets that bluish tint.
- Red, sore gums. Oral bacteria can actually cause cardiovascular issues, if it enters the bloodstream. If your gums are inflamed, seeing your dentist for deep cleaning may help you lower the risk of this.
- Swollen legs. Swelling could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis. It’s especially suspicious if the swelling is paired with shortness of breath or chest pain. It could lead to severe artery blockage, so contact your doctor immediately after you notice the problem. ##MN_RESP##
- Discolored eyelids. If your eyelids have yellow spots or have become entirely yellow, it could be a sign of high cholesterol. Get your cholesterol checked, and talk to your doctor about lowering it.
- Upset stomach. If you’re someone with a delicate digestive system, then obviously this may not apply to you. But if your upset stomach doesn’t relate to your last one or two meals, it may be the first signs of a heart attack, especially if you’re also experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue. Head to the ER as soon as possible if this is the case.
