If you’re an older adult, staying active is one of the best ways to support your heart health. Seniors who exercise regularly are supporting their strength, balance and independence.
But even if you’re active, it’s possible to develop heart symptoms. Don’t assume your symptoms are just signs of aging, being out of shape or overdoing it.
You should get checked if you have any symptoms that are new, getting worse or different from usual. It’s especially important to pay attention to anything that happens during activities like walking, hiking, pickleball, golf, swimming, cycling, yardwork or climbing stairs.
Warning signs to watch for
Arpit Sothwal, MD, a cardiologist with Banner Health, explained more about warning signs active older adults should watch for.
Chest pressure, tightness or discomfort
Chest discomfort may happen when you’re active and improve when you rest. It can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart or a heart attack. Symptoms may feel like:
- Pressure
- Squeezing
- Heaviness
- Fullness
- Burning
- Aching
- Pain or discomfort that spreads to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, back or upper belly
Call 911 for chest pressure that is severe, lasts more than a few minutes or comes with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness or pain that spreads.
Shortness of breath that feels new or unusual
It’s normal to breathe harder during activity but pay attention to any new or unusual breathlessness like:
- Getting winded doing activities that used to feel easy
- Shortness of breath at rest or when lying flat, which should be checked quickly
- Waking up gasping or needing more pillows, which can be heart failure symptoms
Call 911 for shortness of breath with chest discomfort, sweating, nausea or dizziness.
Unusual fatigue, weakness or lower stamina
You may have days now and then when you feel more tired than usual. But pay attention to changes in your stamina like:
- Needing to stop during a normal walk
- Feeling wiped out after light activity
- Suddenly struggling with stairs or chores
- Canceling activities because of low energy
“Fatigue can be a heart attack symptom, especially if you also have shortness of breath, nausea, chest discomfort or sweating,” Dr. Sothwal said. Fatigue can also come from many causes, so evaluation helps find the reason.
Dizziness, fainting or feeling lightheaded
Occasional lightheadedness can happen from dehydration, heat or standing too fast. It could also be caused by rhythm problems, valve problems, low blood pressure or reduced blood flow.
Get checked for dizziness during activity, fainting or near-fainting. Stop your activity and get emergency care if symptoms happen with chest discomfort, shortness of breath or palpitations.
Racing, fluttering or irregular heartbeat
Heart palpitations may feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, pounding or skipping beats. They sometimes happen with caffeine, stress or dehydration and they can also be signs of a heart problem.
Have them checked if they are:
- New
- Frequent
- Lasting longer
- Happening with activity
- Accompanied by dizziness, chest discomfort, fainting or shortness of breath
Wearable alerts can be helpful, but they do not replace medical evaluation.
Some heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation, are more common with age and can increase your stroke risk.
Swelling in legs, ankles, feet or belly
A lot of different things can cause swelling, including heat, travel, medications or vein problems. Heart-related swelling may happen when your heart is not pumping as well as it should.
Warning signs include swelling that is:
- New
- Getting worse
- Paired with shortness of breath or sudden weight gain
Swelling with shortness of breath when lying flat or waking up gasping should be checked right away since it could be a sign of heart failure.
Sudden one-sided calf swelling, warmth or pain may be a blood clot warning sign and needs urgent care.
Symptoms that show up only during exercise
Some heart symptoms only appear when your heart is working harder. Pay attention if symptoms happen during:
- Walking uphill
- Climbing stairs
- Yardwork
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Sports or fitness classes
Get checked if you have symptoms that get better when you rest and come back when you’re active. Do not push through chest pressure, severe shortness of breath, dizziness or unusual weakness. Stop activity and call 911 if your symptoms feel serious.
When to call your doctor vs. call 911
Call your provider or a cardiologist soon if:
- You notice a new drop in stamina
- You are more short of breath than usual
- You have chest discomfort that comes and goes with activity
- You have new palpitations
- You have swelling that is new or getting worse
- You feel dizzy during activity
- You are avoiding activities because symptoms keep happening
Call 911 for:
- Chest pressure, pain or tightness that lasts more than a few minutes
- Chest symptoms with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness or pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, neck, back or upper belly
- Fainting
- Trouble breathing
- Sudden weakness, face drooping or trouble speaking
- A cold, pale or blue limb
- Sudden severe leg swelling or calf pain with trouble breathing
How to stay active safely as you age
Balancing exercise and heart health are key to maintaining fitness as a senior.
Physical activity is great for you, so keep moving if your provider says it is OK. These tips can help you stay safe:
- Know your baseline and pay attention to any changes
- Warm up and cool down
- Stay hydrated, especially in heat
- Avoid sudden intense activity if you have been inactive
- Take your medications as prescribed
- Keep your regular checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and heart rhythm concerns
- Ask your provider what symptoms should make you stop exercising
- Consider cardiac rehab if you have had a heart event or heart procedure and you qualify
Bottom line
Being active is good for your heart but pay attention to any new or unusual symptoms. Don’t assume that aging or overdoing it are causing your issue.
For severe chest symptoms, fainting, trouble breathing or stroke symptoms, call 911.
If you are active but noticing chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, swelling or a sudden change in stamina, connect with a Banner Health provider who can help evaluate your heart health and recommend the next steps you should take.
FAQs on heart warning signs for active seniors
Is shortness of breath normal as you get older?
Some changes in fitness can happen with age but new or worsening shortness of breath is not something to ignore, especially during normal activities or at rest.
What heart symptoms can happen during exercise?
Heart-related symptoms during exercise may include chest pressure, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, nausea, weakness or unusual fatigue.
Can heart attack symptoms feel like indigestion?
Yes. Heart attack symptoms can include heartburn, indigestion, nausea or upper belly discomfort, especially when paired with chest pressure, sweating, shortness of breath or fatigue.
Should I stop exercising if I have heart symptoms?
Stop activity if you have chest pressure, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, unusual weakness or symptoms that feel concerning. Seek care based on severity.
Are wearable heart alerts enough to know I’m safe?
No. Wearables can provide helpful information but they do not replace a medical evaluation if you have symptoms.
When should an active senior see a cardiologist?
Ask about cardiology care if you have new chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, fainting, swelling or a major change in stamina.
