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By Published On: February 24, 2026Categories: Blog

Am I at Risk for Heart Disease? What to Watch for and What to Do

By now you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, but much of it is preventable—especially when caught early. Understanding your risk, spotting warning signs, and staying on top of routine tests can make a major difference in your long-term health. 

Key Risk Factors to Know

You’re more likely to develop heart disease if you have: 

  • High blood pressure   
  • High cholesterol, triglycerides or lipoprotein (a) 
  • Diabetes or prediabetes   
  • Smoking or vaping habits   
  • Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle   
  • A diet high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat   
  • A family history of heart disease, especially at a young age (before 55 in men, 65 in women)   
  • Chronic stress, sleep apnea, or autoimmune diseases   

Having one risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop heart disease, but multiple factors significantly raise your risk. 

Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Heart disease (like many of the conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes) can be silent for years, but there are symptoms that should get your attention: 

  • Chest discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes.   
  • Shortness of breath: Especially with mild activity or when lying flat.   
  • Pain in other areas: Discomfort in the arm, jaw, neck, back, or upper stomach.   
  • Unusual fatigue: Feeling exhausted with routine activities, or new, unexplained fatigue—especially common in women.   
  • Heart palpitations: Skipped beats, fluttering, or a racing heart not explained by exercise or anxiety.   
  • Swelling: Particularly in your legs, ankles, feet, or sudden weight gain from fluid retention.   
  • Dizziness or fainting.   

Heart attack and heart disease symptoms differ between women and men, with women often experiencing more subtle or “atypical” signs that can lead to delayed diagnosis. 

Men typically present with the more recognizable “classic” heart attack symptoms, which often appear suddenly: 

  • Intense chest pain or pressure, described as crushing, squeezing, or heavy, usually in the center or left side  
  • Pain radiating down the left arm 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness. 

Women share some classic symptoms like chest discomfort but are more likely to have less obvious signs, sometimes days or weeks before the event. These include: 

  • Shortness of breath with or without chest pain 
  • Unexplained fatigue or extreme tiredness, even at rest 
  • Nausea, vomiting or indigestion-like feelings 
  • Pain or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, shoulders, or upper abdomen (rather than just the arm) 
  • Cold sweats, dizziness, lightheadedness, or palpitations 
  • Sleep disturbances or anxiety in the lead-up to a possible heart attack. 

Women often report more symptoms overall during a heart attack and are prone to dismissing them as stress, flu, or acid reflux. These atypical symptoms in women contribute to misdiagnosis or delays in seeking care, increasing risk of a severe heart event and death.  

If you experience any concerning symptoms—regardless of gender—call emergency services immediately. Women should not wait, as 64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease had no prior symptoms. Discuss risks with your doctor for personalized screening. 

Who to Call, and When

Call 911 or emergency services immediately if you have chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw. Do not drive yourself. 

Make an appointment with your primary care doctor if: 

  • You have several risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure and family history) but feel “fine.”   
  • You’re over 40 and haven’t had your blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar checked in over a year.   
  • You’re starting an exercise program after being inactive, especially if you have risk factors.   

Your primary care doctor is your first line of defense. They can assess your overall risk and decide if you need further testing or a referral to a cardiologist. If you’re unsure about your risk, schedule a visit with your primary care doctor and ask directly: “What is my risk for heart disease, and what should we do about it?” That one question can be a powerful step toward protecting your heart. At HEALing Community Health, our primary care providers are here to help heal your heart. Call us at 404-564-7749 and make your heart health checkup appointment TODAY. 

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