Heart disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect the heart. Here are some common symptoms associated with various types of heart disease:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Chest Pain (Angina): Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, which may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded during physical activity.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, especially after exertion.
Heart Attack
- Chest Discomfort: Similar to angina but more severe, often described as a crushing or squeezing sensation.
- Pain or Discomfort in Other Areas: Such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of Breath: May occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Other Symptoms: Cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness.
Arrhythmias (Abnormal Heart Rhythms)
- Palpitations: A feeling of skipped heartbeats, fluttering, or a pounding heart.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or experiencing brief episodes of dizziness.
- Fainting (Syncope): Sudden loss of consciousness.
Heart Valve Disease
- Murmurs: Unusual heart sounds heard during a heartbeat.
- Fatigue: Especially during activities that normally wouldn’t cause tiredness.
- Swelling: In the ankles, feet, or abdomen (edema).
- Shortness of Breath: Particularly during exertion or when lying flat.
Heart Failure
- Shortness of Breath: Both during activity and at rest; may worsen when lying down.
- Persistent Coughing or Wheezing: Producing white or pink blood-tinged mucus.
- Edema: Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent tiredness and a lack of energy.
- Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Palpitations or feeling of rapid, irregular heartbeats.
Congenital Heart Defects
- Cyanosis: A bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails.
- Swelling: In the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes.
- Fatigue and Shortness of Breath: Especially during feedings in infants or during exercise in older children.
Cardiomyopathy
- Breathlessness: During exertion or at rest.
- Swelling: In the legs, ankles, and feet.
- Bloating: Of the abdomen due to fluid buildup.
- Fatigue: A feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
- Irregular Heartbeats: Rapid, pounding, or fluttering heartbeats.
Pericarditis
- Sharp Chest Pain: Often aggravated by coughing, lying down, or taking a deep breath.
- Fever: Low-grade fever may be present.
- Weakness: General feeling of weakness or fatigue.
- Swelling: In the legs or abdomen.
Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Chest Pain: Often mimicking angina.
- Heart Murmurs: Sounds indicative of valve damage.
- Swelling: In the legs or abdomen.
- Fatigue: General tiredness and weakness.
If you or someone else is experiencing severe symptoms such as intense chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting, it is crucial to seek emergency medical help immediately. Early detection and treatment of heart disease can significantly improve the prognosis. For Consultation visit www.apollochinarpark.in/cardiology
