Two heart problem signs you must NOT ignore

Actor James Gandolfini, star of The Sopranos has sadly passed away. He's reported to have died of a possible heart attack in Rome while on vacation. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 17 million people die of cardiovascular disease (CVDs), particularly heart attacks and strokes every year. Do you know which physical signs to look for so you can determine if you should seek medical help for heart disease? Read on to find out what you should look out for…

Heart disease need not be deadly, but one reason it is, is because many people are slow to seek help when symptoms arise.

The truth is, “the more risk factors you have, the higher the likelihood that a symptom means something is going on with your heart,” says cardiologist, David Frid, on WebMD.

So over and above ignoring possible warning signs, toughing them out, waiting to see if they go away, or being quick to blame them on heartburn, you should know how to spot the signs that may point to heart problems, so you can investigate and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Matters of the heart: Don’t ignore these heart problem clues

#1: Diagonal creases across your earlobes. This may be a sign of increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. But, “If you’re eating right, getting regular exercise and taking vitamin E, it’s probably not anything to worry about,” says Dr Jonathan Wright of Nutrition and Healing.

To be on the safe side though, it’s advisable you have your doctor check your cholesterol triglyceride, homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels if you notice this change.

#2: Pink nose and rosy cheeks may point to heart problems. If your capillaries are dilated in your cheeks and nose, this will result in a red nose and rosy cheeks. This could be a sign of low stomach acidity and means your body isn’t properly digesting and absorbing vital nutrients, supplements and medication.

“Low production of hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the stomach is associated with hardened arteries, high cholesterol, triglycerides, high blood pressure and even obesity, all of which can spell trouble for your heart,” Dr Wright explains.

However, Dr Wright cautions that even though these signs may not be a 100% accurate because self diagnosis is tricky, they’re a good starting point to monitor your health. And serious symptoms need medical attention.

“A serious heart problem can mean sudden death. It’s better to go in and get it evaluated than to be dead,” warns Frid.

By knowing which signs to look out for in your body, you can seek help for heart disease early and take charge of your health.

Tags: heart disease, heart problems, cardiovascular disease, heart problem clues, james gandolfini and heart disease