7 Heart Conditions Affecting U.S. Veterans: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

7 Heart Conditions Affecting U.S. Veterans: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Veterans served our country. Many also carry the effects of that service in their hearts. Exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxins, along with the lasting stress of military service, can raise the risk of heart disease in veterans for decades after they leave the military.

Some of these heart conditions are recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as linked to service, which can make veterans eligible for disability benefits and care. Here are seven heart conditions every veteran and their family should know about, the warning signs, and what to do.

At Ascent Cardiology, caring for those who serve is a core part of our practice. We work closely with the 6th Medical Group primary care clinics at MacDill Air Force Base and evaluate many active-duty service members and veterans from across the Tampa Bay area.

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Why Veterans Face a Higher Risk of Heart Disease

Several service-related factors can affect heart health:

  • Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam era are linked to ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions.
  • Burn pits and airborne hazards in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other deployments have been linked to higher rates of high blood pressure and stroke.
  • PTSD and chronic stress keep the body’s stress response switched on, raising blood pressure and inflammation.
  • Sleep problems, tobacco use and alcohol use, which can be more common after service, add to the risk.

1. Ischemic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Attack)

Ischemic heart disease occurs when plaque narrows the arteries that supply the heart, reducing blood flow. It can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attacks. The VA recognizes ischemic heart disease as a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, which means eligible veterans don’t have to prove their service caused it.

Warning signs:

  • Chest pressure, tightness or pain, especially with exertion
  • Discomfort spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unusual fatigue, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness

Women veterans may have subtler symptoms. Read our guide to women’s heart attack symptoms. Call 911 for chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or comes with shortness of breath, sweating or nausea.

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure damages arteries over time and is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. In 2022, the PACT Act added hypertension to the VA’s list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions.

Newer research also links burn pit exposure to high blood pressure. A 2024 study in JAMA Network Open of nearly 460,000 post-9/11 veterans found that longer deployments to bases with burn pits were linked to higher odds of hypertension and ischemic stroke. The researchers described the increase as modest.

Warning signs: High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, which is why it’s called the “silent killer.” The only way to know is to check it. Very high readings with headache, chest pain, vision changes or confusion are an emergency. Learn how high blood pressure damages your body.

3. AL Amyloidosis Affecting the Heart

AL amyloidosis is a rare condition in which abnormal proteins made by bone marrow cells build up in organs, including the heart. When it affects the heart, the muscle becomes thick and stiff, leading to heart failure and rhythm problems. AL amyloidosis is also on the VA’s list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions.

Warning signs:

  • Shortness of breath and fatigue
  • Swelling in the legs or abdomen
  • Dizziness or low blood pressure, especially when standing
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome, an enlarged tongue or easy bruising around the eyes

A different form of cardiac amyloidosis, called ATTR, is more common in older adults and in people with an inherited gene variant found more often in Black Americans. Learn more in our post on lesser-known heart conditions.

4. Heart Failure

Heart failure means the heart can’t pump or fill as well as it should. Many of the conditions linked to military service, including ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and amyloidosis, can lead to heart failure over time. Type 2 diabetes is also an Agent Orange presumptive condition.

Warning signs:

  • Shortness of breath with activity or when lying flat
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles or legs
  • Rapid weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week
  • Fatigue and reduced ability to exercise
  • A persistent cough or wheezing

Call 911 for severe shortness of breath at rest or coughing up pink, frothy mucus.

5. Atrial Fibrillation and Other Heart Rhythm Problems

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular, often rapid heartbeat that raises the risk of stroke about fivefold. Several factors common among veterans can contribute, including high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and chronic stress.

Warning signs:

  • A fluttering, racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath or fatigue
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Some people have no symptoms at all

Call 911 for fainting, chest pain, or a racing heartbeat with shortness of breath. Also call 911 for signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty.

6. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

PAD is caused by plaque narrowing the arteries to the legs. It shares the same risk factors as heart disease, especially smoking and diabetes, and people with PAD have a high risk of heart attack and stroke.

Warning signs:

  • Cramping or pain in the calves, thighs, or hips when walking that eases with rest
  • Cold feet or legs, or a weak pulse in the feet
  • Sores on the toes or feet that heal slowly
  • Shiny skin or hair loss on the legs

Leg symptoms can also come from vein problems. Learn the difference in our post on poor circulation in your legs.

7. Heart Disease Linked to PTSD and Chronic Stress

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects more than the mind. It keeps the body’s “fight or flight” response activated, raising heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones, and inflammation. Over time, that strain can damage the heart.

Research in veterans supports this link. A study of more than 8,000 veterans treated in the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System found that those with PTSD had a 47% higher risk of developing heart failure, even after accounting for age, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other risk factors.

Warning signs to watch for:

  • Chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath, especially during stress
  • Persistent high blood pressure
  • Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or always feeling on edge

Treating PTSD through counseling, medication, and support is good for both mental and heart health. If you’re struggling, help is available. Veterans can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, 24 hours a day.                                               PTSD Awareness Month

VA Benefits for Veterans With Heart Disease

If you served in Vietnam or another qualifying location and have ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, or AL amyloidosis, the VA presumes your condition is related to Agent Orange exposure. You don’t have to prove your service caused it. The PACT Act expanded qualifying locations to include Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll during specified dates. See the full list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions and qualifying service on VA.gov.

Conditions that aren’t on the presumptive list may still qualify for benefits as secondary conditions, for example heart disease linked to service-connected PTSD or diabetes. A Veterans Service Officer can help you file a claim at no cost.

Seeing a community cardiologist through the VA. Veterans enrolled in VA health care may be able to see a cardiologist outside the VA through the VA Community Care program. Eligibility includes situations where VA can’t provide specialty care within a 60-minute average drive or a 28-day wait. Care must usually be approved by your VA health care team before your visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is heart disease a VA presumptive condition? Yes, for veterans with qualifying Agent Orange exposure. Ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, and AL amyloidosis are on the VA’s list of presumptive conditions, so eligible veterans don’t need to prove their service caused them.

Are burn pits linked to heart disease? Research suggests a link. A large 2024 study found that longer deployments to bases with burn pits were associated with modestly higher odds of high blood pressure and ischemic stroke. Burn pit-related heart conditions are not currently on the VA’s presumptive list, but veterans can still file claims with supporting medical evidence.

Can PTSD cause heart problems? PTSD is linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions. Treating PTSD and managing heart risk factors together gives the best results. Heart conditions linked to service-connected PTSD may qualify for secondary service connection.

Can I see a non-VA cardiologist? Yes. Veterans can see any cardiologist using Medicare or private insurance. Veterans enrolled in VA health care may also qualify for VA Community Care, which covers approved visits with community providers.

What heart screenings should veterans get? All veterans should have their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked regularly. Veterans with Agent Orange exposure, burn pit exposure, PTSD, diabetes, a smoking history, or a family history of heart disease may benefit from a cardiology evaluation, even without symptoms. Review the 10 warning signs you should see a cardiologist.

I’m on active duty at MacDill. Can I see a civilian cardiologist? Yes. Active-duty service members are usually referred to a civilian specialist by their primary care manager, such as a provider at the 6th Medical Group clinics, when specialty care is needed. Talk with your primary care team about a referral. Ascent Cardiology regularly evaluates active-duty patients referred from MacDill.

Heart Care for Tampa Bay Veterans

Tampa Bay has a large and proud military community, and caring for it is central to our practice. Ascent Cardiology works closely with the primary care clinics of the 6th Medical Group at MacDill Air Force Base, and we evaluate many active-duty service members, military retirees, and veterans each year. That close relationship with military primary care teams means referrals move smoothly, results are shared promptly, and your care stays coordinated from your first visit through follow-up.

We understand the unique exposures and demands of military service, from deployment-related hazards to the physical standards of active duty. Our board-certified interventional cardiologist provides comprehensive heart evaluations, advanced echocardiography and treatment, with hospital privileges at Tampa General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Ascent Cardiology is an approved VA Community Care provider. Ask your VA health care team for a referral.

Request an appointment or call (813) 540-4322.

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Medical Disclaimer

The content provided on the Ascent Cardiology website is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. The information, articles, and media presented on this website do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Content published on this website is not intended to replace consultation, evaluation, or treatment by qualified healthcare professionals, including the providers at Ascent Cardiology or other licensed medical professionals.

If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical care.

The medical information, opinions, and educational materials presented on this website are provided for general awareness and may not reflect the specific clinical practices or medical opinions of Ascent Cardiology or its providers. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk.

This website may include links to third-party medical or educational websites for informational purposes only. Ascent Cardiology does not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, or content of any third-party websites linked from this site.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. For questions about VA benefits and eligibility, contact the VA or an accredited Veterans Service Officer.

Mention of the U.S. Air Force, MacDill Air Force Base, or the 6th Medical Group does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Air Force or the Department of Defense.

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