3. Fatigue – More than just Tiredness?
Fatigue, particularly in women, can be a subtle and early symptom of heart disease. While it’s normal to feel tired after a long day or lack of sleep, unexplained, persistent fatigue could point to an underlying cardiovascular problem. This is especially true if it’s associated with physical exertion and improves with rest.
Many brush off fatigue as a byproduct of a busy lifestyle or high-stress job. However, the type of fatigue associated with heart disease is more than just everyday tiredness. It’s a profound lack of energy that can make even minor tasks feel like monumental efforts.
Fatigue linked to heart disease might also manifest as a rapid increase in exhaustion with physical activity that used to be easy. If you notice this kind of unusual tiredness, it’s essential to seek medical advice.
It’s important to remember that while fatigue is a common symptom of many conditions, its occurrence with other symptoms on this list should prompt a heart check. Regular episodes of unexplained exhaustion, especially when combined with other signs of heart disease, warrant a medical evaluation. (3)
