When most people think of heart disease, they imagine sudden chest pain and a medical emergency. Heart disease often develops quietly, with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook or dismiss. Recognizing these early warning signs can make a critical difference in preventing serious cardiac events.
Heart-related symptoms aren’t always obvious. Many people experience warning signs such as shortness of breath during routine activities, unexplained fatigue, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitations, or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, or arms rather than the chest.
“These symptoms are often mistaken for stress or getting older,” says Dr. Eric Czinn, Cardiologist at Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center. “But when they persist or appear without a clear cause, they should be evaluated.”
Women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms, which can delay diagnosis. A common myth is that heart disease only affects older men. Age, gender, and fitness level do not eliminate risk. Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, chronic stress, and poor sleep can significantly increase the likelihood of heart disease, even in younger or physically active individuals.
Modern cardiology offers advanced, non-invasive testing that can detect heart disease early, often before symptoms become severe. Tools such as stress tests, echocardiograms, heart rhythm monitoring, and advanced imaging help identify problems when they are most treatable.
“Early detection gives us the opportunity to intervene before a crisis occurs,” says Dr. Czinn. “It allows us to manage conditions proactively and improve long-term outcomes.”
Cardiologists frequently see patients who delayed care because their symptoms didn’t feel serious enough. Listening to your body, scheduling routine screenings, and seeking medical guidance when something feels off can help prevent life-threatening complications.
“Heart disease is often manageable when caught early,” Dr. Czinn adds. “Paying attention to the quiet signs can truly save lives.”
For more information on Pascack Valley Medical Center’s Cardiology services visit: https://pascackmedicalcenter.com/services/cardiology/ or call 201-781-1450.