Lesser Known Symptoms of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person dies from heart disease every 34 seconds, and cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately one in three deaths in the country. Heart disease claims more lives each year than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths combined. Because heart disease refers to a range of conditions that impact the heart and cardiovascular system, symptoms can be quite varied. Understanding the lesser known symptoms of heart disease can help you receive treatment and make important lifestyle changes that will reduce your risk of a cardiac event.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be attributed to a variety of causes, and it’s often related to a lack of sleep. But in some instances, chronic fatigue may be a sign of heart disease. Heart failure and coronary artery disease can both lead to fatigue since your heart isn’t able to perform at optimal levels. When you have heart failure, your heart muscle isn’t able to pump a sufficient supply of blood to meet your body’s needs, while coronary artery disease forces your heart to work harder to deliver blood throughout your body. If you experience chronic fatigue along with some of the other symptoms discussed below, you may want to visit a cardiologist for diagnostic testing.
Shortness of Breath
Feeling out of breath after vigorous exercise or other moments of significant physical exertion is normal, but experiencing shortness of breath from regular daily activities can often be a sign of heart disease. When your heart isn’t pumping efficiently, fluid can back up into the lungs, making it harder to breathe. This is one of the most common symptoms of heart failure, but it can also occur with a heart attack or arrhythmia. You may notice it when climbing stairs, walking short distances or even lying flat. Shortness of breath in these instances is worth reporting to a cardiologist.
Nausea or Indigestion
Nausea, indigestion and abdominal pain are commonly attributed to acid reflux, but these symptoms may often be a sign of a heart attack, especially when they occur along with sweating or dizziness. A heart attack should be considered a medical emergency so if you experience all of these symptoms together, seek treatment at once.
Jaw, Neck or Back Pain
Pain in the jaw, neck, upper back or shoulders may be a sign of a heart attack, even without chest pain. While chest pain is the most recognized warning sign, referred pain from a heart attack sometimes presents in these areas first, or without any chest discomfort at all. This is particularly true for women, who are more likely than men to experience heart attack symptoms that don’t involve the chest. Any sudden, unexplained pain in these areas should be treated as a potential medical emergency.
Swelling in the Legs, Ankles or Feet
Swelling in your legs, ankles or feet is often due to fluid buildup in those regions. This may be caused by a variety of heart conditions, including:
- Heart failure
- Poor blood circulation
- A blood clot that blocks the return of blood from your lower limbs to your heart
Fluid retention in your legs, ankles or feet can also be caused by several other conditions, including kidney disease or liver failure, so it’s important to seek diagnostic testing to determine the precise cause of the issue.
Dizziness
Dizziness can often signal that your heart isn’t pumping enough blood to your brain. Some of the common heart conditions which may cause dizziness include:
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
- Heart attack
Unexplained Sweating
Sweating is expected after working out or spending a great deal of time outside on a hot day, but it’s not normal to sweat when you’re being sedentary in a cool environment. Unexplained sweating when you’re not exerting yourself may be a sign of heart disease, particularly a heart attack, especially when it’s accompanied by chest pain. Get examined right away as a precautionary measure.
Sexual Dysfunction
Circulation problems associated with high blood pressure or narrow arteries from cholesterol buildup can often cause sexual dysfunction. In men, this typically manifests as erectile dysfunction, while women most often experience a lower libido or reduced enjoyment of sex. Getting evaluated for your sexual dysfunction can not only improve your enjoyment of sex, but also potentially minimize your risk of a cardiac event down the road.
South Denver Cardiology Can Help
At South Denver Cardiology, we provide comprehensive services to help you manage heart disease. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed above, we can perform diagnostic testing to identify any heart conditions which may be causing your symptoms. Our cardiology services include a Prevention Cardiology Clinic which can help you identify any health conditions which may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. South Denver Cardiology serves patients in Denver, Littleton and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Known Heart Disease Symptoms
What are the lesser known symptoms of heart disease?
Lesser known symptoms of heart disease include chronic fatigue, shortness of breath during routine activities, unexplained nausea or indigestion, jaw or neck pain, swelling in the legs or ankles, dizziness, unexplained sweating while at rest, and sexual dysfunction. These symptoms are often mistaken for unrelated conditions, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Can fatigue be a sign of heart disease?
Yes. Chronic fatigue can be a symptom of heart failure or coronary artery disease. In both conditions, the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leaving the body without adequate circulation to meet its energy demands. Fatigue that is persistent and unexplained, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, warrants evaluation by a cardiologist.
Why does heart disease cause swelling in the legs and ankles?
Heart disease can cause fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities when the heart is unable to circulate blood effectively. Conditions such as heart failure and poor circulation reduce the heart’s ability to move blood back up from the legs, leading to fluid buildup in the legs, ankles and feet.
Can nausea or indigestion be a sign of a heart attack?
Yes. Nausea, indigestion and abdominal discomfort are recognized symptoms of a heart attack, particularly when they occur alongside sweating or dizziness. These symptoms are more common in women and are frequently mistaken for gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to delayed treatment. A heart attack is a medical emergency, and it’s important to seek care immediately if these symptoms occur together.
Can heart disease cause sexual dysfunction?
Yes, sexual dysfunction with no clear cause can be an early indicator of underlying cardiovascular disease. Circulation problems are the primary heart-related cause of sexual dysfunction, often due to high blood pressure or narrowed arteries from cholesterol buildup. In men, this commonly presents as erectile dysfunction. Women may experience reduced libido or diminished sexual response.
When should I see a cardiologist about potential heart disease symptoms?
You should see a cardiologist if you experience persistent or unexplained symptoms such as chronic fatigue, shortness of breath during normal activities, recurring dizziness, swelling in the lower extremities or sexual dysfunction — particularly if multiple symptoms are present at the same time. Early evaluation allows for diagnostic testing that can identify heart conditions before they progress to a serious cardiac event.
- Lesser Known Symptoms of Heart Disease - June 30, 2026
- What Do Heart Palpitations Feel Like? - June 16, 2026
- How to Protect Your Heart in the Heat - June 8, 2026
Sign Up
As with any health concerns, your specific treatment program should be discussed thoroughly with your primary care physician as well as any specialists who may need to be consulted – like a cardiologist.
Sign Up