Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease

The Symptoms and Types of Coronary Disease

© Jennifer Marsh

Apr 24, 2009
Heart Disease, Adam
Recognize the signs of coronary heart disease to know when you are at risk.

There are a few different heart disease types and each has its own form of symptoms and risks. Heart disease is a serious issue especially in obese individuals and diabetics. People with high cholesterol are also at risk for heart attacks, so diet also plays a main role in the occurrences of heart disease. Although this is a basic guideline for symptoms, it is important to note that any signs of heart disease need to be checked by your general physician.

Coronary Heart Disease

One of the most common heart disease types is coronary heart disease or scientifically known as angina. Angina is often felt in the chest. It’s been reported by patients to feel like a huge object is pressing on the chest cavity.

Some symptoms of coronary heart disease are:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Increased heart rate
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Sweating

Heart Attack or Myocardial Infarction

A heart attack is when heart disease like arteriosclerosis blocks the amount of blood that flows to the apex of the heart. Heart attacks are dangerous and can lead to cardiac arrest. It has been reported that an aspirin can help ameliorate heart attack severity.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest
  • Pain radiating to the back, jaw, throat or arm
  • Choking feeling similar to heartburn
  • Sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness
  • Extreme weakness or shortness of breath
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeats

Arrhythmias

Atrial fibrillation arrhythmias are another form of heart disease. Atrial fibrillation arrhythmias are normally briefer than heart attacks although the symptoms are similar.

Symptoms include:

Heart palpitations

  • A lack of energy and continually feeling tired
  • Dizziness
  • Chest pressure or pain
  • Shortness of breath

Many of these symptoms are subtle, and most people attribute them to less severe causes. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is imperative that you check with your general physician.

Heart Valve Disease or Endocarditis

Heart disease of the valves can come from a number of sources, but many bacterial infections infect and slowly degrade the heart valves (endocarditis). This type of heart disease can be slow to show symptoms, but they chip away at the heart valves making it unable to properly pump blood.

The symptoms of endocarditis are:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness or dizziness
  • Pressure or pain in the chest cavity
  • Palpitations or irregular heart beat
  • Swelling of your ankles, feet or abdomen
  • Quick weight gain include many pounds per day

Many of these symptoms are subtle, and most people attribute them to less severe causes. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is imperative that you check with your general physician.


The copyright of the article Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease in Heart Disease/Diabetes is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Heart Disease, Adam
       


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