It’s obvious to seek medical care if you have crushing chest pain or a broken bone, but what about the small stuff? It can be tough to know what can wait for the next doctor’s appointment and what can’t.
We’ve compiled a list of five ways your body is giving you a sign that you should listen to.
Shortness of Breath.
When you’re in the middle of a tough workout, it’s normal to feel tightness in your chest and difficulty breathing. But if you get that feeling at other times — or if you’ve noticed that you don’t have your usual energy — you may want to talk with your doctor. If this feeling comes on quickly and out of the blue, it could be a symptom of a heart attack or other serious problem. On the other hand, if it lasts for more than a few weeks, unexplained shortness of breath could be an early sign of serious lung disease.
Trouble With Your Vision.
After a long day, you may blame eye strain if your vision seems blurry. But a sudden vision problem in one or both eyes may be a sign of stroke, which means a blocked or ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Other common stroke symptoms include trouble speaking, dizziness, or numbness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. The faster you call 911 , the better your chances of surviving and making a good recovery.
A Mysterious Change on the Scale.
Losing weight without trying can be an early symptom of cancer — or any number of less serious conditions. If you’ve shed or gained weight without changing your diet or activity level, make an appointment to see your doctor to determine the cause.
A Headache You Can’t Shake.
The occasional headache is a fact of life, but they can also be the sign of something more serious, like a stroke or tumor. If you’ve had a headache that’s worse than one you’ve ever had or one that lasts for days, see your doctor right away.
Sudden, Unexplained Fatigue.
While it’s normal to be tired after a long day, severe tiredness, especially out of the blue, is a common symptom of heart attack in women. Other symptoms include a feeling of pressure in your chest, severe shortness of breath and nausea or vomiting. Call 911 if you think you may be having a heart attack.
The faster you seek medical care, the more effective it’s likely to be. Making the choice to prioritize your own long-term health will help you feel in control. People who believe they are in control of their own lives are generally healthier and live longer.
AdventHealth for Women believes in guiding women through their lifelong health journey. We know wellness is something you build toward every day, so we offer the support to help you live healthy and the expertise to help you meet challenges.
To connect with a primary care provider, call
Call855-774-LIFE (5433).
