Americans experiencing any of the ten “hallmark signs” of heart disease should seek medical help immediately, according to a leading cardiologist, as the condition remains the top cause of death across the United States.
Heart disease killed more than 919,000 people in the U.S. in 2023 alone—roughly one in three deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A person dies from it every 34 seconds, and approximately 805,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that heart disease claims 17.9 million lives annually.
Given these staggering numbers, early detection and prompt medical intervention are vital, says Dr. Allison Zielinski, a cardiologist at Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine. She emphasized that chest pain is among the most serious symptoms to watch for.
“While there are other causes of chest pain that are not related to the heart, chest pressure that occurs or worsens with activity is particularly concerning, as it can be a sign that the heart may not be getting enough blood,” Dr. Zielinski warned, reports the Express.
Another red flag is high blood pressure. “Chronically elevated blood pressure causes the heart to work harder to circulate blood, and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke,” she added.
Dr. Zielinski also advises caution for those experiencing shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, or those with preexisting risk factors such as smoking history, high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or a previous cardiac condition.
She further pointed out the dangers of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition that restricts blood flow due to narrowed arteries. “If you have known disease in other arteries, such as the leg arteries or the large blood vessels to the brain (carotid arteries), you are more likely to also have coronary artery disease,” Dr. Zielinski explained.
Top 10 Heart Disease Warning Signs:
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath, palpitations, or dizziness
- Diabetes
- History of smoking
- History of high cholesterol
- Chronic kidney disease
- History of heart disease
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Inactive and planning to begin exercise
In emergencies, additional symptoms such as nausea, cold sweats, or pain radiating to the neck, back, jaw, or arms could indicate a heart attack. The American Heart Association advises calling 911 immediately: “Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives — maybe your own.”
The CDC also urges the public to recognize stroke symptoms using the FAST acronym:
F — Face drooping
A — Arm weakness
S — Slurred speech
T — Time to call 911
Timely medical attention can dramatically improve survival and recovery outcomes.