A top cardiologist reveals 10 signs that indicate your parents need a heart check-up

At times we take some certain symptoms the body shows rather casually, especially in our parent’s case. This lack of vigilance could lead to adverse impact on our parents heart health as they are susceptible to various heart diseases due to age or comorbidities. An effective way to track and monitor their heart health is to track the behavior, notice the body language, for example heavy breathing and identify various signs that their body is exhibiting, such as high blood pressure. On recognizing anything out of the ordinary, don’t waste time and get a heart check up done before it’s too late.     

According to a renowned cardiologist, Dr Narayan Gadkar at Zen Multi specialty Hospital, Mumbai, getting a heart check up done for your parents is the need of the hour. “Many may be worried about their parents’ or other family members’ health. Hence, to avoid the risk of any heart problems you will have to take good care of your parents,” suggested Dr Gadkar.

Basically, with age your parent’s heart muscles start degenerating, lowering their energy levels. This combination of declined muscular strength of the heart, along with depleted energy levels could have serious consequences on your parents heart health if they continue to physically exert themselves without taking due precautions and rest. Therefore, it is important for you to be in the driver’s seat and take charge of their well-being. 

But the question arises what are those signs that their body gives to you? Well, for that Dr Gadkar is here to help you out.

Here are the 10 most common signs that Dr Gadkar feels that everyone should look out for in their parents   

1. High blood pressure

Take your parents for a heart check-up, and monitor symptoms such as high blood pressure as it may cause the heart to work harder for blood circulation and may cause a heart attack.

2. High diabetes

This can increase the risk of coronary artery disease as it may take a toll on the functioning of the blood vessels. Hence, one will have to manage the sugar levels.

3. Breathing difficulties

There is a close association between one’s breathing and heart pumping the blood effectively. Your parents will have breathing problems if your heart is unable to pump enough blood.

4. Chest pain

At times we ignore our parent’s chest pain considering it to be due to acidity or gas but that can be an incorrect way of dealing with it.

“If you notice that your parents feel like there is an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or pain in the chest then it is a sign of a heart attack. Having a blocked artery may also lead to chest pain. Do not forget that one may have a heart attack without chest pain too,” explained Dr Gadkar.

5. High cholesterol

This leads to the build-up of plaque in the arteries causing heart problems. Keep your parent’s cholesterol levels in check and ensure that they are consuming healthy foods such as oats and barley.

6. Feeling dizzy and suffering blackouts

If your parents are feeling dizzy or having blackouts, then contact a doctor immediately. This may suggest that the blood pressure levels have dropped and the heart is unable to pump enough blood.

7. Throat and jaw pain

If your parents encounter chest pain that spreads to the throat and jaw especially during physical exertion then it can be an early symptom of impending heart attack.

8. Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion

If your parents notice that they tend to vomit or feel nauseated then they should get themselves checked by a doctor immediately as this could be an early symptom of a heart ailment.

9. Excessive sweating

Do your parents sweat profusely? Then it may signal a heart attack. Sweating for no reason is a warning sign for the heart to be pumping blood irregularly.

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10. Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet

These symptoms tend to strike-in when the heart fails to pump enough blood as it is required to.

“Do not delay treatment if your parents showcase any of the above symptoms. Moreover, self-medication is a strict no. Also, do not forget to take your parents for regular health check-ups. Doing so can aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment,” advised Dr Gadkar.