There is a widespread idea that can be dangerous: the idea that if one “feels good,” the heart is fine. The reality is
distinctive. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Panama and the world, and one of the reasons is
Exactly that: they progress silently. Many people with hypertension, high cholesterol, or even significant obstructions in the
the arteries do not present any obvious symptoms until an acute event occurs, such as a heart attack.
That is why at Hospital Clínica San Fernando we insist on a simple message: feeling good is not the same as being well. The only way
Knowing exactly how your heart is doing is through a medical evaluation and, when appropriate, cardiac studies.
specific.
Below, we explain seven signs that are often ignored or attributed to stress, fatigue, or age, but that in reality are caused by a lack of sleep.
In reality, they can be an early warning sign that your heart needs attention.
1. Unusual fatigue when performing everyday activities
Climbing a flight of stairs, carrying the bags from the market, or walking a few blocks should not leave you without air in a disproportionate way.
When an activity you used to do without any problems now exhausts you, it can be a sign that your heart is working harder than it should.
It should pump blood efficiently.
2. Shortness of breath that appears or worsens with exertion
The difficulty in breathing, especially if it occurs when lying down, during light exercise or when climbing a hill, is one of the signs
The most common and at the same time most underestimated heart diseases. Many people attribute it to a lack of fitness, when in reality
It can reflect that the heart is not pumping with the necessary force.
3. Palpitations or feeling of “heart racing”
Feeling that the heart is beating faster, skipping a beat, or “fluttering” occasionally is not always serious, but when these episodes occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a sign of a serious heart condition.
They repeat, last for several minutes or are accompanied by dizziness; they are worth evaluating. They may be related to arrhythmias that, without
Treatment increases the risk of more serious complications.
4. Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest
This is perhaps the most well-known symptom, but it is also one of the most misinterpreted. It does not always present as intense pain: in some cases, it is a mild discomfort that can be easily overlooked.
Sometimes it is a feeling of tightness, burning, or heaviness that is confused with acidity or muscle fatigue. Any recurring discomfort in the chest, especially if it occurs with exertion and improves with rest, should be evaluated seriously.
5. Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
Fluid retention in the lower extremities can be a sign that the heart is not pumping blood effectively.
efficient, which causes fluid accumulation in the circulatory system. If you notice that your shoes feel tighter at the end of the day or
that the skin of your ankles is marked when you press on it; tell your doctor about it.
6. Vertigo or feeling of fainting frequently
Occasional dizziness can have many causes, but when it occurs along with palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is important to rule out a cardiac origin. The brain needs a constant flow of oxygenated blood, and any disruption in the rhythm or pumping force of the heart can affect it.
7. Family history and risk factors that “do not cause symptoms”
This last sign is not a physical symptom, but a risk factor that is often overlooked: having direct family members with
heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol, being a smoker, being overweight or leading a sedentary lifestyle. These factors
They do not always cause discomfort, but they significantly increase the likelihood of developing a cardiovascular problem, and are a reason for concern.
enough to get a checkup even if there are no symptoms.
What cardiac studies exist and what are they for?
One of the main obstacles to getting a heart check-up is not knowing which study is appropriate for each situation.
Hospital Clínica San Fernando has the technology and specialized staff to perform cardiac evaluations.
More importantly:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): It is the initial and most basic study. It records the electrical activity of the heart and allows the detection of
arrhythmias, signs of a previous heart attack or abnormalities in electrical conduction. It is quick, non-invasive and is usually the first
It is included in any cardiac evaluation.
Echocardiogram: It uses ultrasound to observe the structure and function of the heart in real time: the size of the chambers and the valves.
cavities, the condition of the valves and the pumping force. It is key to detect structural problems that an electrocardiogram
It cannot be shown.
Test of effort: It assesses how the heart responds when it is asked to work harder, usually by walking in a band.
at increasing speed and inclination. Helps detect obstructions in the coronary arteries that may not be apparent at rest.
Holter monitoring: It is a portable device that records the electrical activity of the heart for 24 to 48 continuous hours.
It is very useful for detecting arrhythmias that appear sporadically and that a few-second electrocardiogram cannot detect.
would be recorded.
Cardiac tomography: It allows for detailed images of the coronary arteries and detects calcifications or obstructions
with high precision, without the need for invasive procedures.
Each of these studies addresses a different need, and it is the specialist physician who determines, based on the symptoms,
the history and risk factors of each patient, and which or which ones are necessary.
Prevention remains the best tool
Heart diseases do not appear overnight. They develop over years, often without warning, until the patient is admitted to the hospital.
The body can no longer compensate for the accumulated damage. The good news is that much of this risk can be identified in time with
periodic assessments, and that many risk factors — such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or a sedentary lifestyle — are controllable
when it is detected early.
If you identified with any of these signs, or if it has been a while since your last cardiac checkup, don't wait for it to get worse.
If a more serious symptom appears. At Hospital Clínica San Fernando we have specialists in cardiology and the necessary technology.
to assess the health of your heart in a comprehensive way.
Your heart works for you every day, without rest. Giving it that attention with a timely checkup can make the difference between early detection and an avoidable emergency.
Medical checkups that should be done according to your age
“I feel fine; I don’t need to go to the doctor.” It’s one of the most common phrases we hear, and also one of the most dangerous. The
Preventive medicine does not exist for people who are already ill; it is precisely to detect in time what is not yet there.
It causes symptoms. And this changes with each stage of life: what needs to be watched for at 25 is not the same as at 45 or 65.
At Hospital Clínica San Fernando, we believe that one of the best gifts you can give yourself — and your family — is to learn
Exactly which check-ups correspond to your age. Here we provide a practical guide, organized by decade of life, for you to
know what to prioritize and when.
From 20 to 29 years old: laying the foundations
At this stage, most people feel invincible, and it’s understandable: the body still compensates well for excesses. But it’s
It is also the ideal time to establish a relationship with a primary care physician and create a complete health history.
Recommended checkups: – Annual checkup with primary care physician – Blood pressure and weight/BMI – Lipid profile (cholesterol)
less often, especially if there is a family history – Fasting blood glucose – Routine visual and dental examination – In women:
Pap smear starting from the beginning of sexual life or at 21 years of age, as indicated by a medical practitioner.
Although at this age chronic diseases are rare, the habits formed now—nutrition, physical activity,
Sleep, alcohol or tobacco consumption— largely define the cardiovascular and metabolic risk in the coming decades.
From 30 to 39 years: the decade of early signs
Here, the first signs of metabolic wear begin to appear in many people, especially if there is a history of
People with diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease often have family members who are also affected. The pace of life—work, children, stress—also tends to push the family further into debt.
Self-care takes a back seat, just when it’s most necessary to strengthen it.
Recommended checkups: – Complete laboratory tests (complete blood count, lipid profile, blood glucose, kidney and liver function) every 1-2 years –
Blood pressure at each medical visit – Mental health assessment and stress levels – In women: baseline mammography according to history
family history, and annual gynecological check-up – in men: urological evaluation if there are any symptoms or family history
From 40 to 49 years old: time to intensify surveillance
The 40 mark marks a real turning point. Cardiovascular risk begins to rise more noticeably, and it also increases with age.
The probability of detecting certain cancers at treatable stages if they are found in time.
Recommended checkups: – Cardiological examination: electrocardiogram and evaluation by a specialist, especially if there are
Family history or risk factors – Lipid profile and annual blood glucose – Annual mammography starting at age 40 in women –
Reference colonoscopy, especially if there is a family history of colorectal cancer (some guidelines recommend it from the age of 50).
45) – Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in men, as indicated by the urologist – Visual examination to detect changes related to
age.
From 50 to 59 years: the decade of active prevention
At this stage, most important preventive studies should already be part of the annual routine. It is also when many
Chronic diseases—if they were not detected earlier—begin to manifest themselves more clearly.
Recommended checkups: – Colonoscopy (if not already done) and then every 5-10 years depending on the result – Cardiovascular check-up
Complete: may include echocardiogram or stress test according to individual risk – Bone densitometry, especially in women
after menopause – Mammography and annual gynecological evaluation – Annual prostate evaluation in men – Control of vision and hearing
From 60 years onwards: taking care of the quality of life
Starting in this decade, the goal of checkups expands: it’s not just about detecting diseases; it’s about preserving functionality, mobility, and independence. Medical visits often become more frequent and coordinated among different specialists.
Recommended checkups: – Cardiological evaluation and blood pressure control at each visit – Complete laboratory tests every 6-12
Months – Evaluation of renal, thyroid and bone function – Imaging studies based on history: CT scans, ultrasounds or MRIs
Specific – Evaluation of memory and cognitive function – Review of vision, hearing and balance to prevent falls – Update
of the vaccination schedule (influenza, pneumococcus, boosters as indicated)
The constant throughout all ages: primary care
Beyond the decade you find yourself in, there is a common thread: the importance of having a primary care physician you know.
Your history can guide you on which labs and images you need, and how often. Not all tests apply equally to all people; family history, lifestyle habits, and pre-existing conditions adjust these recommendations.
generals to each particular case.
At Hospital Clínica San Fernando we have primary care doctors, specialists, and a laboratory with imaging technology.
that allow you to cover, in a single place, most of these check-ups according to your life stage.
Preventive medicine is not meant to alarm you: it aims to provide you with the information you need to make timely decisions. Knowing
Knowing which check-ups correspond to your age is the first step in ensuring that your health care is no longer a reaction to a problem but a proactive measure.
Make it a constant habit.
