Know how to report your heart-related symptoms

Learn to listen to your body. If what you are experiencing feels unusual or worrisome, call your doctor. He or she will ask you to describe the symptoms you have. Watch for the following:

lingering tightness, discomfort or pain in your chest, arms, neck, jaw or back
a feeling of anxiety, uneasiness, stress or concern
a nagging feeling that something is wrong
feeling tired, run down
your heart racing or skipping beats
nausea or vomiting during or after activity
sudden increase in weight (three pounds or more in a day or five pounds or more in one week)
shortness of breath
waking at night because of difficulty breathing
needing to sleep on many pillows to help breathing
extreme exhaustion, fatigue or sleepiness due to fatigue

Talk honestly with your health care team. Be candid about your diet, exercise habits, alcohol and tobacco use, other drug use and other matters. It's your health at stake.