Is It More Than Just Stress? 5 Signs You Should See a Cardiologist

For many of us, feeling stressed out is practically part of our daily routines, so it’s easy to get used to its symptoms. But many of the same symptoms associated with stress are also associated with heart troubles — and ignoring them can lead to serious and even life-threatening consequences.

Knowing when to seek expert cardiology care from the team at Advanced Medical Care can help you prevent serious complications and stay in control of your health. Here, learn about five symptoms shared by stress and heart troubles so you can get the care you need ASAP.

1. Chest discomfort that keeps returning

Occasional tightness from stress usually fades quickly, but you should never ignore recurring chest pain, pressure, or heaviness. Although these sensations may resolve on their own, they can still be common warning signs of underlying heart problems. 

What’s more, chest pressure, discomfort, and related symptoms can happen at any time — even when you’re resting and feel relaxed. Scheduling a visit right away is essential for reducing your risk of heart attacks and for any necessary treatment to give your heart the support it needs.

2. Unexplained shortness of breath

Feeling out of breath during exercise or other physical exertion is normal — but if you find yourself struggling to catch your breath during everyday activities — or even when lying down — that’s a sign something’s wrong. 

Breathlessness is also a sign of stress, so it’s easy to disregard it. But shortness of breath — or dyspnea — can also be a sign your heart is struggling to work efficiently, and your organs and other tissues aren’t getting the oxygen they need for normal function.

3. “Racing” heartbeat

There’s no denying stress can cause your heart to beat faster or even “skip” beats, but when these rhythm changes are persistent or recurrent — particularly when you don’t feel stressed in other ways — they can be a sign of heart troubles. 

Some people describe sensations like “fluttering,” strong thumps, or other rhythm-related changes. What’s more, these sensations can come and go quickly, making them easy to ignore.

The problem is that an irregular heartbeat can be associated with dangerous arrhythmias or other heart-related issues that you should never ignore. Scheduling an evaluation can help identify the cause and ensure your heart rhythm stays on track.

4. Persistent or extreme fatigue

Being stressed out can definitely be associated with stress, but again, it’s also a potential sign of a heart problem. Feeling tired all the time could mean your heart is working harder than it should, or it could indicate it’s not working efficiently, leading to low oxygen levels in your organs and tissues. 

If your energy levels have changed noticeably or you feel tired after mild activity, it’s critically important to have your heart checked, especially when accompanied by other symptoms on this list.

5. Dizziness or fainting

Dizziness during times of stress can occur for several reasons. For instance, stress can interfere with your built-in balance system, or rapid breathing could cause you to hyperventilate. Your fight-or-flight response can play a role.

That said, repeated bouts of dizziness or fainting episodes often point to cardiovascular issues, like irregular rhythms, abnormal changes in blood pressure, or structural heart problems that disrupt blood flow to the brain. As a result, you should never ignore these symptoms; our team should evaluate them.

Do not leave your heart health to chance

Stress affects everyone, but ignoring symptoms that “mimic” stress can put your long-term health and wellness at risk. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, request an appointment online or over the phone today with the Advanced Medical Care team in Forest Hills, Queens, and Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York.