There are numerous types of heart diseases, such as cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease, heart failure, ischaemic, vulvular heart disease, arrhythmias and congenital heart disease, just to name a few. These diseases affect the different parts of the heart and also vary in terms of some of the symptoms.
However, there are certain common symptoms that characterize these cardiovascular diseases. It should be kept in mind that no single symptom may definitely indicate a heart problem. However, experiencing several symptoms together almost definitely indicate a heart problem.
Chest Pain
Chest pain or discomfort is one of the symptoms that are common in almost every heart disease. Even though chest pain can be associated with other less serious conditions, it should never be ignored. Chest pain is a broad term that is used to describe feeling pain, squeezing, pressure, choking, or any other discomfort felt in the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, or arms. Some people might experience chest pain or discomfort for a few seconds while in others, it may last for some days.
Many patients complain of experiencing chest pain during a heart attack. Obviously, it is a life-threatening condition and one should seek medical help right away. Patients diagnosed with ischemia (inadequate blood supply to the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the sac which surrounds the heart) are most likely to complain of chest pain.
Palpitations
Experiencing palpitations is another common feature in cardiovascular disease. Palpitations refer to being aware of one’s heartbeats. Usually people are not aware of their heartbeats. Palpitations can be described as “skips” in the heartbeats (a pause in the heartbeat and then a very strong heartbeat) or periods of rapid or irregular heartbeats. In heart patients, palpitations can be caused due to disturbance of the heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
Lightheaded Or Dizzy
People with heart disease often complain of feeling lightheaded or dizzy. However, so do people suffering from liver, kidney, viral illness, or gastrointestinal disturbances. Since there are so many reasons associated with this symptom, it is best to go in for a thorough check up.
Fainting
Fainting is another common symptom and one that should be taken very seriously. Fainting usually occurs when the brain function is disturbed. Reduced blood flow to the brain disturbs its function. Heart problem can reduce the blood supply to the brain. Specifically obstructive cardiac lesions and cardiac arrhythmias are two main reasons of fainting in heart patients. Of the two, the latter is a very serious condition.
Fatigue And Somnolence
Somnolence (daytime sleepiness), fatigue, and lethargy are commonly associated with heart problems and more particularly, with heart failure. When the heart is pumping inefficiently, there is inadequate flow of blood to the muscles. During physical activity, this inadequate flow of blood translates into feeling week and fatigued.
Shortness Of Breath
Shortness of breath is often a symptom of cardiac problem. Patients of heart failure often complain of feeling short of breath after a little exertion or while lying flat on their backs. Same is true of patients of coronary artery disease.
Patients of heart failure experience shortness of breath because of fluid seeping into the air spaces of the lungs. In the early stages of heart failure, patients usually experience shortness of breath during physical activity. However, as the disease progresses, patients experience shortness of breath even with little activity and then eventually, even while lying on the back.
Pain In The Limbs
Many heart patients often experience pain in the limbs. Pain usually occurs when tissues do not get sufficient blood, a condition which is referred to as ischemia. Insufficient blood supply means insufficient oxygen supply to the heart and tissues. This leads to an accumulation of waste products in the tissues and this in turn causes pain after physical activity.
Swelling And Numbness
Swelling, numbness and change in skin color are some of the other common symptoms of heart ailments. Swelling in the ankles, legs, feet and abdomen may be an indication of heart failure. The feeling of numbness occurs when there is inadequate supply of blood, which could be due to a heart problem.
So, these are some of the common symptoms associated with various heart ailments. If you want to maintain a healthy heart, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms associated with heart disease.