Ever notice how your body seems to talk to you at night? Sometimes, those nighttime whispers might be trying to tell you something important about your heart. While we often brush off weird feelings when we’re trying to sleep, paying attention could actually save your life.
Take a look at these 10 nighttime symptoms that might be warning signs of heart disease.
Shortness of breath while lying down
If you find yourself struggling to breathe when you lie flat, it could be a sign of heart trouble. This happens because fluid can build up in your lungs when your heart isn’t pumping well. You might find yourself needing to prop up your head with extra pillows to breathe easier. If this becomes a regular thing, it’s definitely worth mentioning to your doctor.
Sudden waking with chest pain
Waking up with a sharp pain in your chest isn’t normal. This could be angina, which happens when your heart isn’t getting enough blood. The pain might spread to your arms, neck, or jaw. If this happens, especially if it lasts more than a few minutes, don’t wait – get medical help right away.
Racing or irregular heartbeat
Feeling like your heart is doing gymnastics in your chest at night can be scary. While the occasional flutter is normal, frequent racing or skipping beats could signal a heart problem. This might feel like your heart is pounding, fluttering, or beating too fast or slow. If it happens often, it’s time to chat with your doctor.
Swollen ankles or feet
If your shoes feel tight at the end of the day, it might not just be from standing. Swelling in your lower legs, ankles, or feet can be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively. This causes fluid to build up in your body. If you notice this swelling, especially if it’s worse at night, your heart might be trying to tell you something.
Extreme fatigue
Feeling tired is normal, but feeling exhausted all the time isn’t. If you’re getting enough sleep but still feel wiped out, especially at night, it could be a heart issue. When your heart struggles to pump blood, your body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs. This can leave you feeling drained, even after a full night’s rest.
Night sweats
Waking up drenched in sweat when it’s not hot out can be a sign of heart problems. These aren’t your typical hot flashes – we’re talking soaked sheets and pajamas. Night sweats can happen when your heart is working overtime. If you’re experiencing this regularly and you’re not going through menopause, it’s worth getting checked out.
Frequent urination at night
Getting up to pee once in a while is normal, but if you’re making multiple trips every night, your heart might be the culprit. When your heart isn’t pumping well, fluid can build up in your body during the day. When you lie down at night, this fluid moves back into your bloodstream and ends up in your bladder. If this becomes a pattern, talk to your doctor.
Persistent cough that worsens at night
A cough that won’t quit, especially one that gets worse when you lie down, could be more than just a cold. It might be a sign of fluid buildup in your lungs due to heart failure. This cough might be dry, or you might cough up a pink, frothy fluid. Either way, if it keeps you up at night, get it checked out.
Sleep apnea
If your partner complains about your loud snoring or says you stop breathing at night, you might have sleep apnea. This condition is linked to heart problems. When you stop breathing, even briefly, it stresses your heart. Treating sleep apnea can help protect your heart and improve your sleep quality.
Dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up
Feeling woozy when you stand up to use the bathroom at night isn’t just annoying – it could be serious. This might mean your heart isn’t pumping enough blood to your brain when you change positions. If you often feel like you might faint when you stand up, especially at night, it’s time to talk to your doctor about your heart health.
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