Don’t Ignore This 1 ‘Under-Appreciated’ Warning Sign of Heart Trouble, Doctor Warns

Chest pain is a well-known heart disease warning sign, but there’s another symptom to watch for when it comes to cardiovascular trouble.It could show up gradually, disrupting everyday tasks, or even wake you up at night.The symptom is uncomfortable, yet might still be dismissed as something minor. It shouldn’t be, doctors say.Heart Health Tip of the Day: Don’t Ignore Shortness of BreathAlso known as dyspnea, shortness of breath is a symptom to be concerned about, particularly if it’s triggered by simple everyday activities, warned Dr. Cedrek McFadden, a board-certified surgeon.“It is very under-appreciated,” McFadden said on TODAY. “Many people say, ‘I’m just out of shape right now.’ But these are people who may have gone from walking easily to now being winded from just taking the groceries in the house or even just avoiding stairs altogether.”Why It MattersShortness of breath can happen when the heart isn’t working properly. It can be one of the symptoms of a heart attack, or it could indicate heart failure.Heart failure is when the heart is too weak to pump as it should or can’t fill up with enough blood, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.If you find that you’re breathless to the point that you can’t finish sentences or wake up at night gasping for air, it’s an issue that should be checked out, especially if you also have swelling in the ankles, McFadden said.Swelling in the lower extremities can happen when blood flow slows due to a weaker heart and backs up in the leg veins, according to the National Library of Medicine.“If you have swelling with that shortness of breath, you’ve got to talk with your doctor as well. That could be that your heart is not working efficiently,” McFadden noted.How to Get StartedPay attention to how your body responds to everyday activities like climbing stairs or walking to the mailbox. Do you feel very out of breath or even have to stop midway and take a break? Is the sensation becoming progressively worse? Let your doctor know.“I find as a physician, one of the most helpful questions when somebody comes in and says they’re breathless, I say, think back: Could you do that earlier this summer or last summer, and now you can’t?” Dr. Sharonne Hayes, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, previously told TODAY.com.If so, it may be time for a cardiac evaluation, she noted.TODAY’s Expert Tip of the Day series is all about simple strategies to make life a little easier. Every Monday through Friday, different qualified experts share their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental wellness and more.