It can be very dangerous to work with a heart condition. It’s not just that the condition makes it difficult to work. But putting extra stress on the body could make it more likely that someone suffers from a heart attack, an aneurysm or a related issue. This is why many people with chronic heart conditions will find themselves unable to work at all. There’s simply no way for them to safely work in a physical or high-stress occupation – which so many occupations are.
So how do you know if you have a heart condition? It’s very important to talk to your doctor if you have any suspicion that there may be an issue. They can carry out tests, such as an echocardiogram. Never make assumptions about health. Always talk to medical professionals.
Symptoms that need attention
That being said, it is important to know what symptoms to look for so that you know if you have heart disease or a similar condition. This could spark your trip to the doctor. Some common symptoms include:
- Jaw and neck pain
- Shortness of breath
- Throat pain
- A tightness in your chest
- A feeling of discomfort and pressure
- General chest pain
- Numbness and weakness
- Coldness in your extremities
Often, people will simply notice differences in their circulation. This could lead to blue skin or a pale gray hue, known as cyanosis. Other issues include things like irregular heartbeats, such as a racing heartbeat or heartbeats in an abnormal rhythm.
Finally, you simply want to keep an eye on your physical abilities. If you do easy things that should have been achievable for you before, such as light exercise or walking up a flight of stairs, you may find yourself very short of breath. You could also feel dizzy or like you’re going to pass out.
What options do you have?
If it turns out that you do have heart disease, congenital heart defects or other such issues, they may qualify as a disability. This could lead to Social Security disability benefits. Make sure you know how the system works and what steps you need to take from a legal perspective.