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5 Things You Need to Know About Aging

Your body is a machine, and like all machines, it shows wear and tear the longer it’s working. Once you reach retirement age, many of your body’s systems are no longer humming along as efficiently as they used to. Here’s what happens to your body as it ages—and what you can do to slow down Father Time.

Heart

The heart muscle beats more than 2.5 billion times throughout the average lifetime. With all that work, the heart eventually wears down, affecting its pumping ability. Blood vessels harden and narrow, and the walls of the lower chambers—the ventricles—get thicker from having to pump harder. The heart’s electrical system doesn’t work as well as it once did.

You’re at risk for: atrial fibrillation, heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke

Keep it young: Exercise can help keep the heart pumping efficiently, ensure that blood vessels stay flexible and lower the resting heart rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Other ways to stay young? Eat healthy and don’t smoke.

Brain

As you get older, certain parts of the brain, like the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, lose cells and shrink. Brain cells lose connection with each other and have more trouble communicating. Brain arteries narrow and new capillaries don’t form as easily. All of this results in a slowdown of learning, memory, planning and other mental functions.

You’re at risk for: dementia—including Alzheimer’s disease—and mild cognitive impairment

Keep it young: Creative hobbies such as knitting or painting, social activities and computer use can help stave off mild cognitive impairment. Exercise, too, has been shown to have protective effects on the brain.

Lungs

As you age, the muscles that help you breathe weaken and your immune system doesn’t work as well, making you more prone to lung infections. You can’t exhale as much as you used to, and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide isn’t as efficient. This means you can’t exercise as hard as when you were younger. 

You’re at risk for: infections, including pneumonia and influenza

Keep them young: Keep exercising and don’t smoke. If you spend too much time lying down, mucus can collect in the lungs, putting you at even greater risk of infections.

Digestive System

The digestive system holds up pretty well as bodies age, but it still slows down and can cause problems like constipation. Lactase levels in the small intestines decrease, potentially leading to lactose intolerance. The balance of bacteria in your gut may get thrown off and you don’t absorb nutrients as well as you used to.

You’re at risk for: acid reflux, gastric ulcers, constipation, malabsorption of nutrients

Keep it young: Don’t smoke. Along with increasing the risk of other major health problems, smoking relaxes a valve in your chest that keeps stomach acid from creeping up and causing acid reflux; it may also make you more susceptible to peptic ulcers. Women over 50 should get at least 21 grams of fiber a day to keep bowels regular; men need at least 30 grams per day.

Bones, Muscles and Joints

Bones take a beating as people age. After about age 50, bone density decreases and bones become weaker and more brittle. You’ll also lose muscle mass and your joints will become stiffer.

You’re at risk for: osteoporosis, arthritis, falls, fractures

Keep them young: Stretching can help keep joints flexible, while resistance training can stave off both muscle and bone loss. Get 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams per day of calcium and 600 IUs of vitamin D per day to fight osteoporosis.

Our mailing address is:
NewLife Wellness & Weight Loss
736 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069


Website: https://newlifeweightlossnj.com/

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Top 3 Natural Strategies to Beat Seasonal Allergies

The beginning of spring is often widely welcomed, as it brings warmer, longer days and fresh life to the trees, grass and flowers. With everything in bloom, the environment may seem idyllic. However, for the 40 to 60 million people affected by seasonal allergies, the onset of spring can be very unpleasant, accompanied by a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever) can actually also be perennial, meaning symptoms can occur year-round. While there are many OTC remedies available, some are known to cause drowsiness and other unpleasant other side effects. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to counterbalance the allergic response of the season for hay fever and other allergy sufferers.

Make the Home an Allergy-Free Zone

According to many experts, allergies are the result of the immune system becoming overly sensitized to a typically harmless substance, like pollen, dust or animal dander. One of the easiest ways to lessen allergy symptoms is to begin by eliminating them from the indoor environment as much as possible. Before entering the house, remove shoes (and encourage everyone in the household to follow suit) to avoid tracking outside pollutants into rugs, carpet, and other areas where they can linger and trigger symptoms. Avoid opening the windows on windy days and be sure to change out of clothes and shower after spending time outdoors. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter can help reduce animal hair and dander shed, along with dust mites and pollens.

In addition, keep pets off furniture, especially the bed, and do any brushing or grooming outdoors. Also, consider adding a dehumidifier to frequently occupied rooms to help control mold, another common hay fever trigger.

Take Precautions Outdoors

Having allergies does not mean that the outdoors and spring weather cannot be enjoyed. Protect the face from wind-borne pollen and mold spores by wearing large sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, which can help reduce the risk of itchy, watery eyes.

When possible, avoid spending time outside between 5am and 10am, when pollen counts are at their highest, according to Pollen.com. Further, experts from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis recommend exercising in the evening, when tree and ragweed pollen tends to be at its lowest.

Many weather sources now offer pollen level information, along with handy alert notifications, to help track allergy triggers. Warm, breezy mornings tend to be the worst weather condition for allergies. On especially high pollen count days, avoid going outside or go during off-peak hours.

Try Natural Remedies for Symptom Relief

Nasal irrigation using a distilled, sterile saline solution and a neti pot can effectively flush mucus and allergens from the nose. Always be sure to thoroughly clean the pot after each use and allow to air dry. Neti pots can be found at most pharmacies or natural health food stores.

Butterbur is becoming the one of the most popular herbal remedies for tackling pollen allergies. Dr. David Rakel, founder and director of the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Program, says “butterbur is the Singulair of the herbal world,” with the most documented evidence behind it. Some research has shown that butterbur root extract is as effective as antihistamines like Zyrtec and Allegra at relieving nasal symptoms—without causing drowsiness.

Some foods may even help block the release of histamine, which causes inflammation. Quercetin, for instance, is a plant flavonoid and antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables, including kale, blueberries, broccoli and tomatoes. In some studies, it has been shown to stabilize histamine-releasing cells, suggesting that it may provide anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects. Further research from the Department of Pathology and Diagnostics at the University of Verona in Italy has shown quercetin and other flavonoids to have anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent properties. Quercetin is also available in supplement form.

Bromelain has been shown in some studies to help alleviate nasal swelling and thin mucus, enabling better breathing. Pineapple, a good source of bromelain, has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can possibly curb swelling inside the nasal cavity.

For the most effective allergy relief, a combination approach of complementary care will offer the best results. Spring is a time to be enjoyed and making simple lifestyle tips can make a notable difference in dealing with pesky allergies. And, of course, if your symptoms don’t subside, be sure to seek the advice of your physician

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

Copyright © 2019 NewLife Wellness & Weight Loss, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because we are dedicated to offering the finest in alternative healthcare at the most affordable rates and teach all who will listen the cause and prevention of “dis-ease”, so they may teach others.

Our mailing address is:
NewLife Wellness & Weight Loss
736 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069

Website: https://newlifeweightlossnj.com/

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Can Apple Cider Vinegar Fix All Your Problems?

Thanks in part to an ever-expanding selection of health drinks, this question burns as intensely for some as a teaspoon of ACV (diluted in water) on a sore throat.

Rumors are its health benefits include everything from increased energy and weight loss to improved digestion. Yet many of the claims associated with it remain unproven, so let ’s take a closer look at the trend.

1. IT’S GOOD FOR GUT FLORA
Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is rich in enzymes and probiotics, much like other raw fermented liquids such as kombucha. Probiotics aid digestion, keep us “regular” and prevent bloating (as yogurt commercials have informed us for years). Yet those benefits only are gained if you ingest the raw stuff sold by all-natural producers such as Braggs, because pasteurization kills probiotic strains.

You’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot when you see cobwebby strands of the “mother” floating in your bottle of amber liquid. If you’re looking for a way to wake up and energize your digestion, a morning shot of apple cider vinegar might make sense.

2. IT BLOCKS FAT AND STARCH ABSORPTION
Raw apple cider vinegar also contains acetic acid, which research shows can help block starch absorption. This can directly benefit pre-diabetics because blood sugar may be less likely to spike if you consume vinegar before a starchy meal. A related claim is that vinegar “increases energy levels” by stopping blood sugar spikes cold — but for the general population, however, this is a bit of an exaggeration.

Scientific evidence shows only a very slight beneficial effect on non-pre-diabetic subjects. Likewise, studies have shown ingesting apple cider vinegar helped protect mice from the ill effects of high-fat diets by improving blood-sugar levels and cholesterol. Unfortunately, replicating these results in humans has been elusive.

3. IT’S A DETOXING MAGIC BULLET
As a key feature of many cleanse diets, apple cider vinegar is also touted as a great way to combat “toxic overload” — a vague diagnosis which purportedly threatens all of us who enjoy happy hour, dessert or both. However, the claim that apple cider vinegar cleanses the liver of “sludge” or toxins is more anecdotal than scientific.

Similarly, the notion that apple cider vinegar can melt fat or promote weight loss isn’t backed by hard facts. It’s certainly plausible that adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 8 ounces of water can suppress appetite — but one study concluded this resulted mainly from nausea caused by consuming highly acidic vinegar. (It’s also worth noting that drinking 8 ounces of plain water before a meal can dull appetite as well, with zero vinegar added.)

4. ACV TASTE TEST
“Sour” is one of the politer words that can be used to describe drinking undiluted raw apple cider vinegar. But that’s exactly what fans of the stuff have done for years, taking a spoonful straight, every single morning. A gentler option is to mix it with 8 ounces of water, lemon juice and a bit of stevia.

Does this mean you should start guzzling? Probably not. Most health experts caution against overdoing it with apple cider vinegar, since it has the potential to negatively affect tooth enamel and irritate your stomach lining. In small doses, however, it might be well worth integrating into any healthy lifestyle.

Another great way to take ACV is in capsule form for people who want all the benefits that ACV offers yet cannot tolerate the taste.

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What Your Body Shape Says About Your Longevity

Forget about apples and oranges. When it comes to body shape and longevity, it’s more helpful to compare apples and pears. That’s the message of a study published in the journal PLOS ONE that found that pear-shaped people, who have comparatively thinner waists than people shaped like apples, tend to live longer.

To reach their conclusion, researchers measured the waist-to-height ratio of almost 7,500 people in the UK between 1985 and 2005. They compared the data to US studies that used body mass index (BMI), and discovered that keeping your waistline to less than half your height predicted you would live longer. What’s more, they suggested that waist-to-height ratio was a more accurate predictor of longevity than BMI.

How BMI Can Fool You

BMI has been used as a measure of health since the 19th century, and it’s a much more complicated calculation than waist-to-height ratio. To get it, you have to multiply your weight in pounds by 703, divide by your height in inches, then divide that number by your height in inches again.
BMIs:

Between 18.5 to 24.9 are healthy
Below 18.5 means you’re underweight
Between 25 and 29.9 are overweight
Between 30 and 39.9 are obese
40 and over are extremely obese
The problem is, BMI doesn’t take muscle mass into account, which can put someone into the overweight or obese categories even if he or she isn’t carrying extra fat. It also neglects to measure belly fat, which means a larger waistline and may be particularly dangerous for your heart.

Why You Need to Watch Your Waistline

A 2010 study of nearly 105,000 people, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggested that people with larger waistlines (more than 47 inches for men and 43 inches for women) were twice as likely to die during the study period than people with smaller waistlines (less than 35 inches in men and less than 30 inches in women). Bigger waists are also associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, cholesterol problems and coronary heart disease.

Researchers aren’t exactly sure what makes belly fat so dangerous, but it may have something to do with how fat is distributed throughout your body. If you’re pear shaped, your fat is located mostly in your lower half; it’s also subcutaneous, meaning it sits right under the skin. People who are apple-shaped have more fat in their abdomen. That fat, called visceral fat, is deeper and collects around the organs. Researchers think visceral fat produces chemicals that lead to inflammation, a culprit in heart disease and cancer.

What You Can Do

Targeted fat loss, sometimes called “spot reduction,” is a myth; there’s no way to eliminate belly fat on its own. So, while sit-ups may give you rock-hard abs, they’ll still be buried under layers of fat.

Instead, you can lose fat all over, and the best way to do that is to keep your diet in check. The good news is that visceral fat goes away comparatively more easily than subcutaneous fat and getting rid of it can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

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The Benefits Of Drinking Water To Lose Weight

With so many weight loss products, energy drinks, smoothies, supplements and strategies out there, it’s easy to lose sight of simple techniques that can make a huge difference. Drinking water is one such technique, and although it doesn’t come with sleek packaging or multi-million dollar ad campaigns, it is still very effective. Our weight loss clinic can help.

Water is crucial for survival. Aside from oxygen, it is the most critical element that keeps the human body going. You can go without food for several weeks, but you’d only survive a few days without any water. As a weight loss tool, drinking water provides several important benefits.

Staying Hydrated with Zero Calories

Many studies indicate that most of us are dehydrated to some degree. We don’t drink enough water, and the drinks we do consume contribute to increasing waistlines. Drinking water is a zero-calorie way to stay hydrated and keep your muscles working efficiently. Sugary drinks that begin as water provide high calorie content and diet drinks use questionable chemicals to become sweet.

Reduces Hunger

Water also has the ability to reduce your feelings of hunger so you eat less. If you make a point of drinking an 8-ounce glass of water before you sit down to eat, you’ll naturally feel full faster and will eat less. It’s also been said that if you are dehydrated, you may be confusing being thirsty for being hungry. after drinking your glass of water, you may discover that you weren’t really hungry after all.

Promotes Energy

If you are to engage in exercise every day and lead an active lifestyle to promote weight loss, you need energy. Being tired and lethargic just isn’t going to cut it. Drinking water can help increase your energy levels by keeping your brain (which is mostly water) hydrated, and aiding in digestive processes to speed up your metabolism.

How Much Do I Need?

Not everyone requires the exact same amount of water each day, so you may have to experiment a little to determine what’s right for you. Some will tell you to have eight 8 oz. glasses per day, while others will suggest drinking half your body weight in ounces. Generally, if your urine is clear or nearly clear and you’re feeling good and full of energy, then you’re getting enough. If you are clamoring for a little flavor in your water, feel free to squeeze some lemon into it to boost the taste. Lemon water also has its share of benefits, so drink away!

Our amazing weight loss team at New Life Wellness & Weight Loss is here to help you reach your weight loss goals. Contact us today to learn more.

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A Diet That Helps Soothe Osteoarthritis

Easing arthritis symptoms isn’t just about exercise and pills. The foods you eat could help joints with osteoarthritis feel better, too. Food as medicine. It’s a wonderful concept because it gives us an empowering and fun way — eating — to do something helpful for our bodies, like easing joint pain. And some day, doctors may very well prescribe exercise, medication, and a special diet to help keep people’s arthritic joints healthy.

But right now, the only way diet likely enters your osteoarthritis conversation with your doctor is when you talk about losing weight. Because although there’s no way to cure arthritis through food, if you are overweight, a weight loss diet may be one of the best things you can do for the health of your joints.

Still, quite a bit of promising research has shown that certain foods and nutrients mayhelp ease osteoarthritis symptoms. More study is needed to confirm the results, but since most of the foods studied to date are good for you anyway, incorporating some of them into your diet could be a great way to support your current treatment program. And in the end, you may boost your overall health as well.

So, think about your joints the next time you visit the grocery store. Here are five foods you may want to add to your cart — and two you may want to take out:

5 Foods Your Joints May Love

Strawberries: Why? They are packed with vitamin C. Some studies suggest vitamin C may stymie the progression of osteoarthritis and the accompanying cartilage loss. Other good C sources: oranges, peaches, and red bell peppers.
Olive oil: You know how the Tin Man’s joints loved oil? Well, your joints may love olive oil just as much. Research shows that polyphenols in olive oil may help reduce inflammation in the body — always a good goal if you have arthritis.
Salmon: This fish is loaded with two joint-soothing nutrients: vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. If you are deficient in D (and many adults are), boosting your intake could help with osteoarthritis pain and disability. And omega-3 fatty acids have long been promoted by health experts for their anti-inflammatory qualities.
Green tea: This brew is brimming with antioxidants called catechins, inflammation quieters that could delay cartilage damage in people with arthritis.
Leafy greens: The more plant-based foods you add to your diet, the better it probably is for your joints. A Mediterranean-style diet that emphasizes fruit, nuts, and veggies may help quiet inflammation. (Leafy greens also happen to be rich in vitamin K, a nutrient that seems to play a role in osteoarthritis prevention.)
Give These Foods the Brush Off

And while you’re amping up your intake of fruit, veggies, and omega-3 fatty acids, here are foods you should consider scaling back on:

Corn oil: The fats in corn oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil are predominantly omega-6 fatty acids. And although these fats are not harmful in and of themselves, some research suggests that a big imbalance in your omega-3 and omega-6 intake could trigger inflammation. So use omega-3-rich olive oil whenever you can.
White bread: Grabbing high-fiber whole-wheat bread instead may help your joints in two ways. Early research shows that refined grains may be proinflammatory. On the other hand, high-fiber diets may help quiet inflammation. And high-fiber diets may help with weight control, too.
Treating Arthritis in the Kitchen
Currently, there is no guarantee that changing your diet will help your joints feel better. But most of the foods that seem to make the most sense for joint health happen to be great for your body in other ways as well. So, the decision to eat right should be an easy one.

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3 Speedy Ways To Pull The Plug On Stress

Stress isn’t all bad. In fact, the only time you don’t have stress is when you are 6 feet under. Short-term stress can help you meet a deadline, turn a double play, or keep your bumper from getting crumpled.

But when stress lingers like week-old leftovers, or nags like a too-full desk, it’s time to pull the plug. The more you’re stressed, the greater the risk of accidents, infections, and arterial aging. It’s not the desk or the stress that’s the trouble; it’s your reaction to it.

So, while we can’t stop your boss from sending work to you or make the line at the airport move faster (if only), we can help you learn how to make stress take less of a toll — or maybe make it toll-free.

Even if you already have a favorite way to break the tension, whether that’s playing basketball or listening to Mozart, these easy techniques are great to keep in your back pocket when your first choice isn’t available:

Breathe in, lick your lips, and then blow out slowly. The cool air helps you refocus and slow down.
Scrunch your face tightly for 15 seconds and then release. Repeat several times. Repetitive contraction and relaxation helps release the tension you hold above the neck.
Stop for a second and focus on your breathing. Now, look down. See anything moving? Probably not. That’s because most people take short, shallow breaths — the kind that come from your chest. To relax, take deep, whole breaths.
It should take about 5 seconds to inhale and 7 seconds to exhale. And your belly (yes, your belly) should expand as you breathe in, then flatten as you breathe out.

Ahhh . . . that’s a lot better.

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6 Surprising Foods That Can Make You Sick

We all know overindulging on junk food can cause an upset stomach, but the healthy, nutritious foods you eat every day, like leafy greens and eggs, can make you sick, too. Food-borne illnesses lurk everywhere-from farm-grown vegetables, to peanut butter. Find out which foods often cause food-borne illness and how to avoid getting sick.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a mealtime staple, but can host bacteria like E. coli, C. botulinum and, most commonly, salmonella. In fact, salmonella has been associated with about 30% of all reported potato-related outbreaks. Bacteria found in potatoes can be transferred through soil, but contamination more commonly happens when potato-based dishes, like potato salad, are being prepared. Be sure to wash your potatoes and cook them thoroughly to kill any bad bacteria.

Sprouts

Sprouts add protein, fiber and crunch to dishes like stir fry, salads and sandwiches. Good things, right? Only if the sprouts are grown and processed under hygienic conditions. Raw sprouts grown in unsanitary conditions can carry bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, which are responsible for causing diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever in mild cases, and hospitalization in more severe instances. Bacteria thrive in the seeds of the sprouts, which grow in warm and humid conditions. Prevent illness by thoroughly washing and cooking sprouts before eating. People with weakened immune systems, children, older adults and pregnant women should avoid eating raw or lightly cooked sprouts.

Oysters

Oysters filter feed at the bottom of the ocean, so if the surrounding water is contaminated with bacteria, the oysters can become contaminated, too. The most common food-borne illnesses from oysters are norovirus, which causes stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, and Vibrio vulnificus, bacteria that cause diarrhea and vomiting in healthy adults, but can result in blood infection in people with weakened immune systems. To avoid oyster-related illnesses, don’t eat uncooked oysters or cooked oysters that may have been contaminated by uncooked shellfish or seafood.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter can pose a threat to anyone, whether they have a peanut allergy or not. Peanut butter has been the cause of several salmonella outbreaks, one of which affected 714 people across 46 different states. Roasting typically kills the bacteria, so it’s believed that consumers get sick when contamination occurs after roasting.

Eggs

We’ve long been told that raw eggs will make you sick, but is it true? Yes-if the chicken is sick. If a chicken or hen is infected with salmonella, there’s a chance the eggs will be infected, too, through feces or infected reproductive tissue. Salmonella from eggs can be prevented with proper cooking and handling. Be sure to keep eggs refrigerated at all times, cook your eggs thoroughly (no runny yolks!) and don’t leave cooked eggs unrefrigerated for more than two hours.

Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens are a source of fiber and vitamins C and K-and sometimes food-borne illness. Runoff from nearby farms, contaminated water or improper handling during processing can sometimes contaminate leafy greens like spinach, arugula, kale or lettuce. Norovirus, E. coli and salmonella have all been linked to greens. A 2013 outbreak infecting more than 600 people in 25 states was linked to one company’s pre-made salads and contaminated cilantro. Soaking, washing and blanching your vegetables in boiling water may help prevent the spread of illness.

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The Incredible Value Of Creating A Weight Loss Plan

One of the big issues many people have when it comes to weight loss is putting forth an effort and not seeing any measurable results. When it seems like you’re just spinning your wheels, you end up getting discouraged, losing motivation and stopping the process altogether. This is why it is wise to have a weight loss plan that you can follow to get the results you need.

It’s not impossible to see results with a less detailed approach, but if you’re going to make the effort, it makes sense to get the most out of what you are doing. In all likelihood, the thought of working out regularly and modifying your diet isn’t overly exciting, and one way to maximize your results is by creating a detailed weight loss plan.

Risks of Winging It

When you aren’t organized and aren’t following a plan, you have a higher likelihood of abandoning your goals before you reach them. If you aren’t seeing the results you wanted, it is impossible to check back and see what you’ve done and what foods you’ve been eating to make it that way.

Many people will insist they know what they’ve been eating, but until you document every piece of food and every drink that goes into your mouth, you really have no idea. You may think you have a handle on it, but could be taking in hundreds of extra calories per week just by nibbling and snacking. It’s also difficult to keep track of the exercises you’ve been doing without a plan, making it challenging to know when to change it up.

Benefits of Having a Plan

When you have a detailed weight loss plan in front of you, it helps keep you focused and reduces your need to think. People tend to get themselves into all sorts of trouble when they start thinking or over-thinking their lives and this is especially true with weight loss. A good plan will show you what to eat and when, and what exercises to do on specific days. It also holds you accountable for the things you eat that aren’t part of the plan.

The Best Plan for You

The most effective weight loss plans are customized for each individual person. They are balanced and sustainable and take your personality, health conditions, likes and dislikes into consideration. Our team at New Life Wellness & Weight Loss will help design a plan that’s perfect for you.

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6 Surprising Signs Your Heart Is At Risk

The image is a familiar one-a man hunched over, clutching his chest in pain. It’s the universal symbol for a heart attack. This chest pain, along with shortness of breath and pain radiating down the arm, are often considered the standard symptoms of a major cardiac event.

But there are more subtle symptoms of heart disease in Watchung – a condition that includes heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure.

Here are 6 lesser-known signs and symptoms.

  • Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, which almost always causes loud snoring, isn’t just a noisy habit that can keep your partner up at night. Snoring, whether it’s moderate or severe, can damage your heart as you struggle to breathe while sleeping.

Sleep apnea causes a drop in oxygen in the blood several times during the night and that causes stress to the body. If left untreated, it can lead to cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, heart attack and heart failure.

  • Dizziness

Dizziness or lightheadedness may indicate that your brain isn’t getting enough blood and it can be a subtle sign of a heart attack, especially in women, who often have atypical symptoms. Dizziness could also indicate an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) or heart damage.

If you’re experiencing dizziness along with other heart symptoms, get to the emergency room as quickly as possible.

  • Sweating

A good workout isn’t the only thing that can cause you to break a sweat. If you start sweating suddenly-what’s often described as a “cold sweat”-while experiencing other symptoms, it could mean you’re having a heart attack.

Sweating more than usual, without exertion, is a sign of stress to the body. If sweating is associated with discomfort in the chest, arm, neck or jaw or with shortness of breath, it should be taken seriously as a sign of coronary artery disease and you should get to the hospital immediately.

  • Fatigue or Exhaustion

Most of us can feel worn out after a long day of dealing with work, kids and a mile-long to-do list. However, extreme, unexplained fatigue-the kind that leaves you too beat to climb a short flight of stairs or carry your groceries-could also be a warning sign of something more serious, like a heart attack or heart disease, especially in women. One study published in the journal Circulation found that more than 70 percent of women experience unusual fatigue in the month leading up to their heart attacks. Some women ignored it as a symptom of a serious heart problem. And women who tried repeatedly to seek medical care often had this symptom misdiagnosed or dismissed by their physicians.

  • Erectile Dysfunction

Heart disease and erectile dysfunction (ED) may both be caused by poor circulation, but problems in the bedroom usually occur first. This means that ED could be alerting you to current or future heart disease.

ED and heart attack are both caused by plaque build-up in the arteries. “Also, there’s a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients with ED. And patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease frequently have other medical problems, such as diabetes and hypertension, which can cause ED.

  • Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can be a sign of poor oral hygiene, but it may also signal a heart problem. A 2018 study presented at an American Heart Association meeting suggests middle-aged adults (ages 45 to 69) who experience tooth loss might have a higher risk for coronary heart disease.

Participants who lost two or more teeth during the eight-year follow-up were at 16 percent greater risk of developing heart disease than those with no tooth loss. The connection between heart disease and tooth loss is not entirely clear, but research suggests inflammation may play a role in both. Tooth loss may not be cause for immediate concern, but it’s a good opportunity to speak with a healthcare provider about ways to reduce your heart disease risk.

Other Unusual Signs and Symptoms

Also be on the lookout for a few other unfamiliar symptoms of heart disease:

Heart Failure: leg swelling when upright, mild cough and shortness of breath while lying down
High Blood Pressure: undiagnosed sleep apnea and early morning headaches
Heart Disease: depression and anxiety
To keep your heart in tip-top shape, stick with a healthy diet, get daily exercise, keep stress levels low and get adequate sleep.
And if you do think you’re experiencing a cardiac event, don’t wait. Call 911 immediately.