Recognizing the Whispers Before the Storm: My Early Signs of Heart Disease
I never thought I was the “type” to get heart disease. I wasn’t overweight, I exercised occasionally, and my diet was what I’d call “average.” But one day, something felt off. A small flutter in my chest. A little tightness. A strange sense of fatigue that lingered even after a good night’s sleep. That was the beginning of my journey—one that would eventually teach me how crucial it is to listen to our bodies before they start screaming for help.
1. The Symptoms I Almost Ignored
It started subtly. I remember walking up a flight of stairs and feeling a little winded—something I’d normally brush off. But it kept happening. Then came the chest discomfort, not sharp pain, just a pressure, like someone was pressing down with a heavy book. I chalked it up to stress or bad posture. Looking back, that was a mistake.
Another day, while carrying groceries, I felt a sudden, unusual fatigue wash over me. My arms felt heavy. I paused to catch my breath. That moment stuck with me. Deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.
Shore Heart Group
shore heart group
1820 NJ-33 #4b, Neptune City, NJ 07753, USA
2. Classic Yet Easy-to-Miss Red Flags
When we think of heart disease, we often imagine dramatic scenes—someone clutching their chest, collapsing in pain. But the truth is, the early signs are often far more subtle and easy to dismiss.
- Chest discomfort: It may feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullness. Not always painful, but persistent.
- Shortness of breath: Especially during everyday activities, even if you're not exerting yourself.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, especially in women, is a key sign that’s often overlooked.
- Neck, jaw, or back pain: I felt a strange ache along my shoulder blades for days before seeking help.
- Nausea and lightheadedness: I felt dizzy after meals and sometimes after light activity.
Each symptom on its own might not ring alarm bells. But together, they paint a picture that shouldn’t be ignored.
3. The Day I Finally Took Action
I was at work when it hit me. My heart was racing, and I felt a wave of dizziness while sitting at my desk. I stepped outside, tried to catch my breath, but it didn’t go away. Something told me this wasn’t just anxiety. I drove myself to an urgent care clinic. Within minutes, they called an ambulance. My blood pressure was dangerously high, and my EKG showed abnormal patterns.
That moment changed everything. I was diagnosed with early-stage coronary artery disease. The doctor said I was lucky—I had listened to my body just in time. Many people don’t get that second chance.
4. How I Learned to Monitor My Body’s Signals
After that scare, I became hyper-aware of my symptoms. I started tracking my daily energy levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. I downloaded a health journal app and started logging patterns—when did the fatigue hit? What was I eating beforehand? How did stress affect my breathing?
This data helped both me and my cardiologist adjust my treatment plan. We identified triggers like lack of sleep and high-sodium meals, and I slowly built a lifestyle that supported heart health—realistically and sustainably.
5. Family History: The Clue I Almost Overlooked
Heart disease ran in my family, but I didn’t think much of it. My grandfather had a heart attack in his 60s, and my mom takes blood pressure medication. I assumed it wouldn’t affect me until I was older. I was wrong.
Knowing your family history isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. If heart disease runs in your family, you may develop symptoms earlier and with fewer warning signs. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Talk to your doctor and be proactive with screening.
6. The Role of Stress and Mental Health
One thing I hadn’t considered before my diagnosis was how much stress was affecting my heart. I worked long hours, rarely unplugged, and often slept poorly. Chronic stress releases cortisol, which can increase blood pressure and inflammation—two major contributors to heart disease.
I began practicing meditation, reduced my caffeine intake, and set firm work-life boundaries. My heart rate stabilized, and I found myself more attuned to my emotional health. It wasn’t just physical—it was mental too.
7. What I Wish Everyone Knew
Heart disease doesn’t always announce itself with sirens. Sometimes, it whispers—through small signs like fatigue, discomfort, or shortness of breath. If I had waited longer or ignored those signs, I might not be here writing this today.
We need to normalize listening to our bodies, taking symptoms seriously, and seeking expert advice. You don’t need to “tough it out.” Your body speaks. It’s up to us to listen.
8. Where to Get Real Help and Resources
If you're experiencing even mild symptoms that concern you, don't delay. Get checked. Speak to a specialist. I found incredible support through HeartCare Hub—a platform that helped me find the right heart doctor and get personalized recommendations on hospitals and services. Having trusted professionals in my corner changed the game for me.
Your heart deserves attention—not just when something’s wrong, but every single day. Learn your body. Watch for the signs. And act before it’s too late.
Deborah Heart and Lung Center
deborah heart and lung center
200 Trenton Rd, Browns Mills, NJ 08015, USA