Did you know, according to recent research, that heart disease is the number one killer in the world today? Did you also know that sexual problems, snoring, and bleeding gums are pointers to a failing heart?

When the heart and arteries begin to fail, symptoms manifest in otherwise unrelated parts of the body, like the neck, the feet, and even the mouth. Consistent snoring, believe it or not, could be a pointer to heart disease.

Here are six of the most common – and most surprising – symptoms of heart disease Nigerians (and indeed other people) need to be aware of because keeping an eye out for them can lead to early detection and save lives.

SYMPTOM 1: SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Many people think of sexual dysfunction as a problem of the reproductive organs or the brain. A lot even say sexual dysfunction is a spirit problem in our part of the world.

However, especially in males, sexual dysfunction is a common symptom of the arterial disease.
A buildup of plaque in the arteries can cause men, middle-aged and old, to have a hard time achieving – or maintaining erection. Same may not be said of women but menopausal women should be wary of likely changes in blood pressure and cholesterol levels which are linked to drop in libido.

SYMPTOM 2: SNORING OR SLEEP APNEA
Few things are more frustrating in life than trying to sleep next to a snoring person.However, despite the annoyance of snoring, research has shown that snoring can actually be a sign of heart disease.

Snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea – as is morning sleepiness after a full night’s sleep. Sleep apnea – periods of time during sleep where someone stops breathing – is associated with many physiological changes that increase the risk of both heart attack and stroke.

Therefore, detection and treatment of sleep apnea can lower a person's risk of heart problems. So, next time you hear the person next to you snoring, perhaps suggest they see a doctor – instead of just complaining about the noise.

SYMPTOM 3: BLEEDING, SORE OR SWOLLEN GUMS
Few people would ever think bleeding gum problems could be linked to heart disease.
However, unhealthy gums are a symptom of periodontitis, a serious gum infection that damages the gums and can destroy the jawbone.
Periodontitis can actually lead to an increase in inflammation across the body and over-activity of inflammatory pathways is a strong risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic heart disease and heart attack.
That's why we recommend that people follow up regularly with their dentist for oral hygiene and they should also regularly brush and floss their teeth

SYMPTOM 4: SHOULDER OR NECK CONSTRICTION OR ACHING
Not all people go through classic heart attack symptoms like chest pain. Instead, many heart attack sufferers feel an uncomfortable sensation, achiness, pain or pressure in their neck, jaw or shoulders.
For some, that discomfort is the only sign of heart pain or a heart attack. So, no one should ever ignore neck pains, it may be much more than that as science points out.

SYMPTOM 5: SWOLLEN FEET AND LEGS
The feet and legs can swell for a variety of reasons – including something as minor as heat. However, swollen legs and feet can also be a big sign of congestive heart failure
This is particularly true in cases where a person has unusual shortness of breath with little activity – or when trying to sleep.
While it’s also true that some swelling occurs naturally throughout the day, and tends to resolve overnight, persistent swelling is problematic. And people who have constant or worsening swelling of the feet or legs should see a doctor for an evaluation of heart failure.
SYMPTOM 6: INDIGESTION OR HEARTBURN

Heartburn and indigestion are quite common – and rarely ever serious. But in some instances, the seemingly benign burning or aching sensations in the upper abdomen can be a sign of heart pain or heart attack.
Persistent gastrointestinal distress – such as intractable hiccups – can also be a warning sign of a heart attack.

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