Your heart is always on the job, beating about 100,000 times a day as it quietly pumps blood to every part of your body.
So when something feels off, it’s easy to brush it aside. Maybe you’re more tired than usual. Maybe stairs suddenly feel harder. Maybe your ankles are swelling, but you blame it on a long day.
But those small changes can sometimes be your heart’s way of getting your attention.
“Many heart conditions don’t start with dramatic chest pain,” says Rebecca Petrush Streeter, MD, a cardiovascular medicine specialist with the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute. “They begin with small changes in how you feel day to day.”
Here are six signs that could point to heart problems, and when to bring them up with your doctor.
1. You’re getting winded more easily
If walking across a parking lot or climbing a flight of stairs suddenly leaves you short of breath, don’t ignore it.
Shortness of breath can be an early sign that your heart is having trouble keeping up with your body’s needs.
And it doesn’t always happen during activity — some people notice it at night. You might need extra pillows or wake up feeling like you can’t catch your breath.
“When the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, fluid can back up into the lungs,” says Dr. Streeter. “That’s when patients start noticing breathlessness, especially if it’s new, getting worse or starting to limit their routine.”
> Related: 6 Warning Signs of Heart Failure You Shouldn’t Ignore
2. You’re tired and more rest doesn’t fix it
Everyone feels tired after a long day. But heart-related fatigue can feel different.
It may feel deeper, like your energy is drained even after a full night of sleep. You might start skipping errands, cutting walks short or avoiding activities that used to feel easy.
“Heart-related fatigue tends to feel deeper, like your energy is drained even after rest,” says Dr. Streeter. “When your heart isn’t delivering enough oxygen-rich blood, it shows up. Patients may not notice it right away, but over time, they often find themselves doing less.”
> Related: What Not to Do When You Have Heart Failure
3. Your ankles, legs or belly are swelling
Are your shoes suddenly tighter? Are your socks leaving deeper marks than usual?
Swelling in the ankles, legs or abdomen can happen when fluid builds up in the body. And in some cases, that can be a sign that the heart is under strain.
“When fluid starts to build up in the ankles, legs or abdomen, it can be a sign the heart is under strain,” says Dr. Streeter. “If that swelling is new, getting worse or coming on quickly, it’s something to check out.”
> Related: 3 Ways to Help Ease Swelling
4. You feel chest pressure, tightness or burning
Heart symptoms don’t always look like the movie version of a heart attack.
Sometimes, chest discomfort feels more like pressure, tightness, burning or fullness. And it may spread to your jaw, neck, back or arm.
The key is paying attention to what’s new, especially if it happens with activity or improves with rest.
“Any new chest discomfort, especially with activity, should be taken seriously,” says Dr. Streeter. “The heart doesn’t always announce trouble loudly.”
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5. Your heart is racing, fluttering or skipping beats
A flutter. A skipped beat. A racing feeling in your chest.
Palpitations can be unsettling, and they’re not always dangerous. Stress, caffeine, dehydration and lack of sleep can all play a role.
But if they’re happening often, lasting longer or feeling more intense, it’s time to get checked.
“Occasional palpitations are common,” says Dr. Streeter. “But if they’re frequent, last longer or feel more intense, it could point to a rhythm issue we want to evaluate.”
And if palpitations come with dizziness, chest discomfort or fainting, don’t wait. Get medical care right away.
> Related: When to See a Doctor for an Irregular Heartbeat
6. You feel dizzy or faint
Feeling lightheaded once in a while can happen for lots of reasons. Maybe you stood up too quickly, skipped a meal or got dehydrated.
But dizziness, feeling unsteady or fainting can also mean your brain isn’t getting enough blood flow.
“Your brain depends on a steady supply of blood,” says Dr. Streeter. “If the heart can’t maintain that, you may feel dizzy or even lose consciousness.”
Even if it only happens once, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor, especially if it’s new or unexplained.
> Related: 5 Signs You Have a Healthy Heart
When to see your doctor
Your body often gives small clues when something isn’t right. The hard part is knowing which ones matter.
So here’s a good rule: If a symptom is new, getting worse or starting to change your routine, bring it up with your doctor.
That’s especially true for shortness of breath, swelling, chest discomfort, fainting or a racing heartbeat.
“The earlier we identify a struggling heart, the more options we have – and often, the simpler those treatments can be,” says Dr. Streeter. “In many cases, we’re able to help patients feel better and keep doing the things they love.”
