Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death around the world — but many serious heart problems can be prevented or treated if caught early. Your heart often gives warning signs when something isn’t right. The key is to pay attention to these signs and take action quickly.

Here are the top 5 heart disease warning signs you should never ignore.

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1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
This is the most common sign of a heart problem. It may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or burning in your chest. Some people describe it as feeling like “an elephant sitting on their chest.”

• It may come and go, or last for several minutes
• It might happen during activity or while resting

Don’t wait — chest pain should always be taken seriously. It could be a sign of a heart attack.

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2. Shortness of Breath
Feeling out of breath after little or no effort can be a warning sign, especially if it’s sudden or happens often.

• You may feel like you can’t catch your breath
• It can happen with or without chest pain
• It may get worse when lying down

This can be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood properly.

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3. Fatigue or Weakness
Unusual tiredness, especially if it lasts for days or comes on suddenly, may mean your heart is struggling.

• You may feel drained even after light activities
• It might be hard to do daily tasks like walking or climbing stairs
• Some people feel weak or dizzy

Don’t ignore extreme or ongoing fatigue — it could be more than just being tired.

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4. Pain in Other Parts of the Body
Heart pain doesn’t always stay in the chest. It can spread to other areas like:

• Arms (especially the left arm)
• Neck
• Jaw
• Back
• Stomach

If you feel unusual pain in these areas — especially along with chest discomfort or shortness of breath — it could be a warning sign.

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5. Irregular Heartbeat or Heart Pounding
A fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat that happens often or lasts more than a few seconds can be a red flag.

• You might feel like your heart is skipping beats or racing
• It can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck
• It may be followed by weakness or dizziness

While occasional changes in heartbeat can be normal, frequent or strong symptoms should be checked by a doctor.

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Conclusion
Your body often speaks before a major heart problem happens — you just need to listen. If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them or wait for them to go away. Early action can save your life.

If something feels wrong, call a doctor or seek emergency help right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your heart.