What are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Heart disease is a broad term used to describe conditions that affect the function and structure of the heart muscle. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of heart disease in order to seek early treatment and prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Chest Pain

• Chest pain is the most obvious sign of heart disease.
• Consult a cardiologist to rule out the possibility of heart disease.
• Chest pain occurs as pain or discomfort along the front of the body, between the upper abdomen and neck.
• Chest pain can be caused by a heart attack or poor blood flow to the heart (angina).
• The intensity of chest pain varies from person to person.

Indigestion or Stomach Pain

• Stomach pain, indigestion, or a burning sensation in the stomach or chest may be related to heart problems or a sign of heart disease.
• Pain occurs near the left upper side of the stomach or in the esophageal sphincter.
• Stomach issues caused by heart disease include nausea and acute intestinal ischemia.
• Intestinal angina caused by heart disease may lead to weight loss.

Shortness of Breath

• Shortness of breath is a sign of heart disease caused by congestion and fluid accumulation in the lungs.
• It may occur during or after exercise in the early stages of heart failure, but can progress to occur even at rest.
• Gravity attracts fluid in the lungs, making them wet, which increases breathlessness when lying down.

Feeling Sweaty

• Excessive sweating can be a sign of heart disease when accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, indigestion or nausea, and pressure or pain in the arms or chest.
• Sweating can also be linked to atherosclerosis, which causes narrowing of the arteries and can lead to heart disease and a heart attack.
• Sweating at night can be a sign of heart disease known as subacute endocarditis.

Fatigue

• Heart failure causes the heart to pump blood slowly, leading to less nourishment and oxygen reaching the muscles, causing fatigue.
• Fatigue during activities is an indication of heart disease.

Coughing or Wheezing

• Coughing and wheezing that does not go away may indicate fluid buildup in the lungs, a symptom of congestive heart failure.
• Seek medical advice as a cardiac cough can be mistaken for allergies or a common cold.

Arm Pain

• Left arm pain can be a sign of heart disease, especially during a heart attack.
• The nerves in the arms and the branches from the heart that relay signals to the brain can cause left arm pain without chest pain.

Conclusion

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease in order to seek timely medical advice. Consult the best cardiologists in Dubai for your heart health.