Three signs your heart health is at risk, according to leading Spanish doctor

A LEADING cardiologist has warned that you could have heart issues if you notice three certain symptoms.

Doctor Aurelio Rojas told his 350,000 Instagram followers how certain clues could point to a malfunctioning cardiovascular system.

He said that anyone displaying such symptoms should see a doctor.

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The first sign that you should seek medical attention is if you suffer from poor breathing when lying down.

This symptom is most noticeable before going to sleep and some people are forced to sit up suddenly to get some air.

This condition is called orthopnea.

Orthopnea also requires those suffering to sleep with several pillows, as the more upright position allows for better airflow.

So if you find yourself needing more pillows at nighttime, you may be experiencing orthopnea.

The second indication of a weak heart is angina.

This is a type of severe chest pain which can also spread to the shoulders, arms, and neck.

It is caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart.

Angina is often suspect when a chest pain occurs after mild activities such as climbing the stairs, but it can also transpire at rest.

Rojas’ third indication of heart difficulties is fluid retention (edema), especially in the legs or lower limbs.

Common symptoms include swelling in the legs, a feeling of pressure, and indentations (called ‘fovea’) when pressing on the swollen area.

The severity of the indentation helps assess the extent of fluid retention.

This symptom is common in heart failure, a condition where the heart does not pump blood effectively, leading to progressive fluid retention, which initially appears in the legs.

It aids both in diagnosis and prognosis.