Heart disease is a broad term that covers a range of conditions that affect the heart. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of heart disease include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain in the jaw, neck, or back, and feelings of nausea or fatigue.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
One of the most common signs of heart disease is chest pain or discomfort. This symptom is often described as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. It can range from mild to severe. Chest pain associated with heart disease often occurs with exertion or stress and goes away with rest. Some types of chest pain that can signal heart disease include:
- Angina – Angina causes chest pain when the heart does not get enough blood. The pain usually starts in the chest and can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. It typically occurs with exertion and stress and goes away with rest.
- Heart Attack – Chest pain from a heart attack feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing. It lasts longer than angina pain, is often more intense, and does not completely resolve with rest.
- Pericarditis – This causes sharp, stabbing chest pain that gets worse when lying down or breathing deeply. The pain is caused by inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.
If you experience new, unexplained chest pain or discomfort, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Getting prompt treatment for heart-related chest pain can prevent complications.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, often occurs with heart problems. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, shortness of breath can occur with even minimal exertion. Some heart conditions that can lead to shortness of breath include:
- Heart failure – Heart failure causes fluid buildup in the lungs that makes breathing difficult. Shortness of breath often starts slowly and worsens over time.
- Heart valve disease – Damaged heart valves mean the heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can trigger shortness of breath.
- Coronary artery disease – Narrowed arteries limit blood flow to the heart, depriving it of oxygen and potentially leading to shortness of breath.
In addition to shortness of breath with exertion, someone with heart disease may also experience difficulty breathing when lying down or may wake up gasping for air. Seeking medical evaluation for unexplained shortness of breath is important.
Pain in Jaw, Neck, or Back
While chest pain is the most well-known sign of heart problems, pain that radiates to other areas can also signal heart disease. This referred pain often affects the jaw, neck, and back. Some examples include:
- Jaw pain – Heart disease can trigger pain in the jaw that feels like a toothache. It may travel up the jaw to the ear.
- Neck and shoulder pain – Some heart conditions can cause neck or shoulder pain, especially on the left side. The pain may get worse with activity.
- Upper back pain – Pain between the shoulder blades or in the upper back can be related to heart problems. It may feel like muscle tension but does not respond to stretching.
Referred pain associated with heart disease tends to start gradually, last for extended periods, and recur. Having these types of pains evaluated promptly is wise.
Nausea and Fatigue
Some people with heart disease experience nausea or chronic fatigue, especially as their condition worsens. Reasons heart problems can cause these symptoms include:
- Heart failure – Buildup of fluid in the body from heart failure can cause nausea. Fatigue occurs as the heart struggles.
- Heart attack – Blocked blood supply during a heart attack causes cell death that releases toxins and leads to nausea. Lack of blood flow also causes fatigue.
- Arrhythmias – Abnormal heart rhythms keep the heart from pumping adequately, resulting in fatigue.
Fatigue related to heart disease often takes the form of tiredness, weakness, lack of energy, and feeling rundown. If these symptoms cannot be explained by other conditions, they may be tied to problems with the heart.
Swelling in Feet, Ankles, or Legs
Fluid buildup caused by heart disease can lead to swelling, also called edema, in the lower extremities. This swelling often starts in the feet and ankles but can also affect the legs. Causes include:
- Heart failure – Poor blood flow from heart failure causes fluid backup in veins.
- Coronary artery disease – Hardened coronary arteries restrict blood flow returning from the legs.
- Cardiomyopathy – With this disease, the heart struggles to pump and causes fluid backup.
Swelling in the lower extremities that is new, appears for no reason, and does not resolve with rest should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat, called an arrhythmia, occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular way. Some examples of problematic arrhythmias include:
- Atrial fibrillation – The upper chambers beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers.
- Tachycardia – Dangerously fast heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute.
- Bradycardia – The heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute.
Many arrhythmias cause no signs or symptoms at first. When they do cause changes, symptoms can include palpitations (sensation of rapid, fluttering heartbeat), lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Medical evaluation is recommended for suspected arrhythmias.
Loss of Consciousness
Some heart rhythm disturbances are severe enough that they can cause a person to faint or lose consciousness. Reasons loss of consciousness can occur with heart disease include:
- Drop in blood pressure – Arrhythmias may lead to inadequate blood flow to the brain.
- Reduced cardiac output – Heart disease reduces the heart’s pumping ability and blood supply to the brain.
- Blood clot – A clot that blocks blood flow could restrict blood supply and cause fainting.
Fainting or passing out due to a heart condition is always considered a medical emergency. Prompt evaluation and treatment are essential.
Other Possible Signs and Symptoms
Some other signs and symptoms that can occur with heart disease in some people include:
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Cold sweats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Coughing up blood-tinged sputum
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Confusion
Having any of these symptoms evaluated is wise when heart disease is suspected or present. Even subtle symptoms can signal serious problems.
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing heart disease. Risk factors that cannot be changed include:
- Age – Risk rises for men over 45 and women over 55.
- Sex – Men face higher risk.
- Family history – Having a close relative with early heart disease raises risk.
Risk factors that can be modified through lifestyle and medical management include:
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity and overweight
- Unhealthy diet
- Metabolic syndrome
- Excess alcohol
- Stress and anger issues
- Sleep apnea
The more risk factors a person has, the higher their risk of heart disease typically is. Consulting with a doctor about risk reduction is recommended for those with risk factors.
When to See a Doctor
It is important to see a doctor promptly if you experience any signs or symptoms that may indicate a heart problem. Recommended times to seek medical care include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Pain spreading to the arm, neck, or jaw
- Fatigue with activity that is getting progressively worse
Seeking immediate emergency care is advised if you experience:
- Sudden, severe chest pain
- Chest pain or shortness of breath with sweating and nausea
- Fainting episodes
Prompt evaluation and treatment of heart disease can prevent complications like heart attacks, strokes, and death. Let a doctor determine if your symptoms may be coming from your heart.
Diagnosing Heart Disease
Doctors use a combination of approaches and tests to diagnose heart disease. Steps may include:
- Medical history – Looking for risk factors, symptoms, and family history of heart disease.
- Physical exam – Listening to the heart and checking pulses, blood pressure, and swelling.
- Blood tests – Can assess cholesterol levels and markers of heart muscle damage.
- Electrocardiogram – Records the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm.
- Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart’s anatomy and function.
- Stress testing – Looks at how the heart responds to exertion.
- Cardiac catheterization – Visualizes the coronary arteries and heart chambers.
Based on results, doctors can pinpoint where heart disease is occurring and determine the best treatment approach.
Treating Heart Disease
Treatment for heart disease involves both lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Typical treatments include:
- Improving diet – Adopt a heart-healthy diet low in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
- Increasing activity – Get regular moderate exercise but consult a doctor first.
- Quitting smoking – Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Losing weight – Shed excess pounds if overweight or obese.
- Managing stress – Limit and cope effectively with stress.
- Medication – Such as aspirin, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins.
- Surgery – To repair or replace damaged heart valves; clear blockages.
- Implantable devices – Such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
Treatment focuses both on relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. Following doctor’s orders is key.
Preventing Heart Disease
Many forms of heart disease are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. Recommended prevention tips include:
- Quit smoking and vaping.
- Follow a nutritious diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein.
- Limit sodium, sugar, saturated fat, and processed meats.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise.
- Keep weight in a healthy range.
- Manage conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol to moderate intake.
- Manage stress levels with relaxation techniques.
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices offers the best way to prevent heart disease from developing in the first place.
Outlook
The prognosis for heart disease varies depending on the specific condition and severity. Early detection and proper treatment can greatly improve outcomes. Managing controllable risk factors and following treatment regimens as prescribed is key.
Some types of heart disease can be cured with treatment. For chronic forms of heart disease, treatment aims to control symptoms and prevent worsening. Despite treatment, heart disease remains a leading cause of disability and death.
Following medical advice and adopting heart-healthy lifestyle changes offer the best chance of managing heart disease and achieving the most favorable outlook possible.
Conclusion
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the heart’s structure and function. Many types cause no early signs or symptoms, which is why screening and early detection are so important. Common symptoms that can indicate heart problems include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the jaw, neck, or back, nausea, fatigue, swelling in the lower extremities, and irregular heartbeats.
Seeking prompt medical care for suspected heart disease is crucial. Doctors can run tests to diagnose the specific type and severity. Treatment involves medication, surgery, device implantation, and lifestyle changes. Preventing heart disease is possible by controlling risk factors through healthy behaviors. With proper treatment and optimal lifestyle choices, many people can manage heart disease and maintain a good quality of life.