Heart disease is a term commonly used to refer to diseases that affect the heart. There are numerous types of heart diseases. Cardiovascular disease is another term that’s often used interchangeably with heart disease.
Today, heart disease is the number one killer in the US. There are numerous causes of cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle, lack of exercise, smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure, genetics, diet etc. are some of the causes of different heart problems.
Besides understanding the causes of various types of heart diseases, it is also very crucial to understand the various symptoms associated with different heart problems. An understanding of the various symptoms of different types of cardiovascular diseases would help you catch the disease early on. Sooner you start with the treatment and care, better are your chances of recovering.
Coronary Heart Disease
So, let us start our discussion with coronary artery disease (CAD), which is also the most common type of heart disease in US. CAD is a condition in which the arteries are obstructed due to which there is reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. The most common symptom associated with CAD is angina. Angina is described as pain, pressure, squeezing, discomfort, heaviness, fullness and burning feeling in the chest. Though angina is often felt in the chest, it can also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back.
Shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, unexplained sweating, nausea, palpitation (irregular heart beat) and faster heart beat are some other symptoms associated with CAD. So if you are experiencing any one of these symptoms, it would be a good idea to seek medical help right away.
Arrhythmias Symptoms
Arrhythmias refer to heart problems that occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate the heart beats do not function properly. This can cause your heart to beat too fast, slow or irregularly. You might be suffering from arrhythmias if you show any of the following symptoms:
• Palpitations
• Feeling as if your chest is pounding
• Light headed or dizzy
• Unexplained fainting spells
• Little exertion leads to shortness of breath
• Feeling fatigued for no apparent reason
• Chest discomfort
Vulvular Symptoms
Vulvular heart disease, also known as the heart valve disease, affects the heart valves. People who could be suffering from heart valve disease might show the following symptoms:
• You will feel short of breath while doing your normal daily activities and sometimes when you lie in the bed.
• Feeling weak or dizzy.
• Feeling pressure in your chest when you go out in the cold air or when you are doing some activity.
• Palpitations.
• If the heart valve disease is leading to heart failure, then you might see swelling in your feet, ankles, or abdomen. You might experience quick weight gain.
Cardiomyopathy Symptoms
Cardiomyopathy is another serious heart condition. It is a disease of the heart muscle. Symptoms of this disease include:
• Heart failure symptoms like swelling in the feet, ankles and abdomen.
• Chest pain and discomfort, especially after physical activity. However, it can also occur while rest or after meals.
• Palpitations.
• Fatigue.
• Fainting.
Pericardial Symptoms
Pericardial heart diseases refer to diseases of the sac that encases the heart (pericardium). When the condition leads to inflammation, it is called pericarditis and when there is fluid accumulation, it is referred to as pericardial effusion. When there is stiffness of the pericardium, the condition is referred to as constrictive pericarditis. Symptoms of pericarditis may include:
• Sharp pain in the center of the chest. In many cases, the pain worsens while lying down, coughing, swallowing or even when taking a deep breath. The pain is very often relieved by sitting forward.
• Low grade fever.
• Increased heart rate.
One thing that you might have noticed is that some of the symptoms for the different heart diseases are quite similar. So just by noting down the symptoms, you will not be able to pinpoint the exact disease. The best thing to do is to see a doctor and get the correct diagnosis.