Everyone knows that chest pain is a symptom of a heart attack. But there are cardiovascular diseases whose symptoms are more subtle.
Take this patient who comes to the doctor about shoulder pain and pain. The doctor told him to lighten his load and carry his wallet to the other side. After a few days, the pain did not go away. The woman went to see Martha Gulati, MD, chief of cardiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix. Sure enough, Dr. Gulati discovered that he had a blocked artery.
It is important to consider more than just the “classic” issues.
The most common types of heart disease
Cardiovascular disease is a general term that includes several types of heart problems.
Coronary artery disease: Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease. It occurs when LDL (bad cholesterol) builds up in your arteries. If left untreated, it can lead to cardiac arrest and death.
Congestive heart failure: This happens when your heart muscle weakens and the pressure is too low or too high. About 5 million people in the United States suffer from congestive heart failure, and more than half of them die within five years of diagnosis.
Valvular heart disease: Valvular heart disease occurs when one of the four heart valves does not work properly due to disease, birth defects, or heart damage. It usually occurs in older people and is less common than other heart diseases. Some people can go their entire lives without knowing they have a valve problem.
Atherosclerosis: This is the formation of plaque in the walls of the arteries. About 3 million people suffer from atherosclerosis every year. It is usually asymptomatic and never causes problems, but if left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack.
Arrhythmia: This is when your heart beats too fast, too slow, irregularly, or skips a beat. It is one of the most common heart conditions and is often not a cause for concern. However, older adults with other risk factors may want to take blood thinners to prevent stroke. If left untreated, it can lead to cardiac arrest.
High or low blood pressure: Although not technically a disease in itself, high blood pressure is one of the most common conditions in the world. It can be controlled with medication, and uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and coronary artery disease.
What are the warning signs of heart disease?
Different symptoms can indicate different types of heart disease. Look out for these seemingly innocent signs that your heart health is at risk.
- Excessive fatigue
These include: Coronary artery disease; chronic heart failure; valvular heart disease
There are many conditions that can cause fatigue. However, persistent, unexplained fatigue could be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping well, or that you have another problem, such as blockages or valve problems.
- Shortness of breath
These include: Atherosclerosis; coronary artery disease; chronic heart failure; valvular heart disease
Of course, it’s easy to get discouraged if you’re a bit off, but don’t write it off so quickly. Shortness of breath after mild exertion, such as going to the car or taking the front steps, may be related to the heart.
- Changes in exercise tolerance
These include: Coronary artery disease; chronic heart failure; valvular heart disease
John Osborne, director of cardiology at LowT Center/HerKare and an American Heart Association (AHA) volunteer, regularly sees patients who might have been struggling to mow the lawn a few months ago, and they have heart problems. . If previously painless activities are now difficult, consider seeing a doctor.
- Digestive problems
In: Coronary artery disease
Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain can be common symptoms of a heart attack, especially in women, and the symptoms are different than in men. It may begin with vague sensations such as gastrointestinal nausea and heartburn, but these, along with cold sweats, may indicate coronary artery disease.
- Sleep apnea, snoring, and waking up at night
These include: arrhythmia; coronary artery disease; chronic heart failure
Heart disease can be behind a night’s sleep. When everything is working normally, blood flow and heart rate change during sleep. If something is wrong, it might wake you up at 1am. Heart failure can cause sleep apnea or fluid build-up in the lungs, and arrhythmias can make your heart feel like it’s racing, both of which can disrupt your dreams.
Sleep apnea treatment and medication
- Cancer
These include: Congestive heart failure; valvular heart disease
In particular, swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs is a symptom of heart failure. If your fingers swell up to the point of lameness when you touch your body, it’s time to see a professional.