A general practitioner, cardiologist, candidate of medical sciences, and expert presenter from the Doctor TV channel, Konstantin Ivanov, spoke with socialbites.ca about the first and often overlooked signs of heart disease.
Ivanov emphasized that snoring and disrupted sleep can be clues pointing to heart-related issues. He explained that loud, fragmented sleep may not just spoil rest but signal serious risks for heart health.
He warned that throat swelling can also be a symptom. The specialist noted that pain spreading to the lower jaw is frequently a critical sign linked to angina, myocardial stress, and coronary heart disease.
In addition to pain, the doctor highlighted episodes of excessive sweating without exertion, paired with strong physical or emotional sensations, as potential indicators of cardiovascular trouble.
“Another important factor is how the sympathoadrenal system functions. When it does not operate properly, multiple symptoms can appear, signaling not only possible thyroid issues but also rhythm disorders, blood pressure problems, and chronic heart failure,” Ivanov explained.
Persistent coughing was also mentioned as a possible sign of fluid buildup in the lungs, a condition that may accompany chronic heart failure. The expert added that there are classic symptoms to watch for in heart disease.
He described a chest pain that can occur on the left side of the chest, described as sharp or pressure-like, intensifying with physical activity and potentially radiating to the left arm or behind the shoulder blade. Relief might come with nitroglycerin or by reducing physical and emotional stress. Some individuals may also experience pain in the occipital region, headaches, high blood pressure, or flare-ups of skin changes.
Ivanov listed key warning signs that should raise concern: irregular heart rhythms and conduction abnormalities, episodes of fainting or near-fainting spells, dizziness, swelling in the legs, and unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats.
The expert also warned about the hallmark signs of atherosclerosis, underscoring the importance of early identification and timely medical evaluation to prevent progression.
These observations come from clinical experience and are presented to help people recognize early signals. For anyone noticing these symptoms or at risk factors, seeking medical assessment is advised to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan. The information reflects the expert guidance shared on Doctor TV and from clinical practice guidelines referenced in medical discussions.