2. Swelling in the legs
It may surprise you to learn that issues with your heart are often felt in your extremities first. When the heart struggles to pump blood throughout the body, it’s the areas furthest away that suffer. Blood and other fluids tend to accumulate in the legs, causing swelling.
Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, in part because it can be caused or affected by so many other conditions. Just a few examples are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or an undiagnosed congenital heart defect.
Don’t let swelling in your legs linger too long without a checkup, especially if you notice gray or blue skin. Called cyanosis, this is another indicator of poor circulation.