Do you have two minutes for your heart?
Our heart beats about 100,000 times a day and pumps about five liters of blood every minute. Blood pressure is the force behind that flow – and when blood pressure is consistently too high, it quietly damages vessels and raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Recent American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidelines stress earlier detection and treatment of hypertension.1 Take two minutes for a proper self-care check – it can give powerful clues about your heart’s health. Read on for simple signs, quick home checks, and one practical step to start this week.
What early signs suggest my heart may be failing – and which health conditions increase risk?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and many cases begin quietly.2 Early signs often appear as changes in how you feel in daily life.
These early signs may include irregular chest discomfort or pressure, a fluttering or fast heartbeat, or feeling exhausted or out of breath when you wake up. While these symptoms don’t always point to heart disease, they can be signals that your heart is under strain and should not be ignored. Certain health conditions, like longstanding high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, coronary artery disease, and some kidney problems, can slowly damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of more serious heart problems.3 Watch for growing breathlessness (especially when lying flat), new or worse swelling in the legs or abdomen, sudden weight gain, persistent cough or increasing fatigue – these are common early signs of heart failure (when the heart can’t pump or fill well). If symptoms are new or getting worse, contact your healthcare professional and share any home blood pressure or weight logs.
At Bayer, we believe in empowering you to take charge of your heart health. Visit SeeYourRisks.com to uncover your risk factors and join us on the journey toward a healthier heart and a long life.
How to check blood pressure at home
Many local pharmacies offer easily accessible blood pressure checks. If you own a blood pressure cuff at home, follow this guideline: Sit quietly for 5 minutes, feet flat, arm at heart level. Take two readings one to two minutes apart and log them. Bring several days’ readings to your doctor.
How can I check my heart at home – what to measure, how to do it, and when to seek care?
Taking charge of heart health is essential for both patients and caregivers, especially for those in communities with higher risks, such as LatinX and Americans of Black or African descent.4,5
Monitoring weight, blood pressure, and resting heart rate can empower you to stay on top of any risk factors.
- Check your pulse after sitting quietly: either check your pulse at your wrist or use a device. Track your rate over time – the normal for adults is about 60–100 beats per minute. Persistent changes in your pulse, especially a rising trend, should be discussed with your physician.
- Use a blood pressure cuff to check your blood pressure at home and weigh yourself regularly to keep your weight in check. Keep a symptom diary to track any changes – for example, have you noticed that you’re able to walk less than you are usually able to? Reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual.
For personalized insights, visit SeeYourRisks.com and take the Bayer Aspirin® Heart Health Risk Assessment.
Early detection is key to making a significant difference in your heart’s health journey. Schedule a visit with your doctor if you notice repeated high blood pressure readings, a rising resting pulse, sudden weight gain, new or worsening breathlessness, chest discomfort, or swelling. These are warning signs that should not be ignored.
Through partnerships focused on prevention and equity, we aim to enhance cardiovascular health for women. By collaborating with WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, we have reached more than 240,000 women in the U.S., providing vital education and awareness.
Are heart attack and heart‑failure symptoms different for women – what should women watch for?
Women often experience heart disease differently than men. One specific condition, called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is more common in women.6 This type of heart failure happens when the heart can still pump blood effectively, but it struggles to relax and fill with blood properly. As women tend to live longer, they are more likely to develop this condition as they age. Additionally, certain life events, like complications during pregnancy and menopause, can increase a woman's risk of heart problems later in life.7
Symptoms to watch for:
- Heart Attack: Women may experience atypical symptoms such as extreme fatigue, nausea, jaw or back discomfort, and shortness of breath, rather than classic chest pain.
- Heart Failure: Symptoms include breathlessness during exertion, persistent fatigue, and reduced exercise capacity, often without obvious fluid overload.
Women are at risk of being misdiagnosed due to atypical symptoms and underrepresentation in clinical trials. It’s crucial to report any unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, or reproductive history to your doctor. Keep logs of blood pressure, weight, and symptoms to aid in discussions. Treat new or severe symptoms seriously and seek prompt evaluation.
How can I make my heart stronger, and what should I eat (and avoid) for heart health?
To improve your heart health, start by understanding your unique risk factors, which fall into two categories: factors you can change and factors you cannot.
Changeable factors depend on your daily choices. Eat whole, minimally processed foods. Pick meals with colorful fruits and vegetables. These contain nutrients and antioxidants for heart health. For example, a fresh banana is a whole food. Banana chips with added salt and sugar are a processed version to limit. Cut excess salt, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods. Exercise regularly, sleep well, and keep a healthy weight. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. Handle stress with healthy outlets. Move, relax, or spend time with others to support your heart.
Unchangeable factors like family history, age, gender, and ethnicity are beyond your control. Genetic conditions, such as familial high cholesterol, can increase your risk. Be aware of existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and discuss them with your doctor to ensure appropriate monitoring and treatment.
Once you know your risk factors, have an open conversation with your health care provider about your heart health. Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in keeping your heart strong.
References
[1] American College of Cardiology. Available at New High Blood Pressure Guideline Emphasizes Prevention, Early Treatment to Reduce CVD Risk
[2] American Heart Association. Available at 2026 Heart and Stroke Disease Statistical Update
[3] American Heart Association. Available at Health Threats from High Blood Pressure; Report redefines overlapping risks of heart and kidney diseases; Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes; Coronary Artery Disease - Coronary Heart Disease
[4] Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan. Available at The increased risk of heart disease in Black and Hispanic women
[5] American Heart Association. Available at Cardiovascular health risks continue to grow within Black communities, action needed
[6] American College of Cardiology. Available at Heart Failure in Women: Understanding the Differences to Change the Paradigm
[7] American Heart Association. Available at Expert Advice About High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy; The connection between menopause and cardiovascular disease risks