Heart Disease and its symptoms: The basics one should know
Heart disease has become one of the leading causes of death and disability throughout the world. Heart disease includes a wide range of conditions affecting the heart.
The common heart problems are:
- Coronary Artery Disease ( Blockage In Blood Vessels Supplying The Heart )
- Arrhythmias I.E., Heart Rhythm Problems (Slow/Fast Or Irregular Heartbeat)
- Valvular Heart Diseases (Diseases Affecting The Valves Of The Heart )
- Cardiomyopathies (Weak Or Abnormal Heart Muscles )
- Congenital Heart Diseases ( Defects In The Heart Present Since Birth )
- Miscellaneous ( Infections, Autoimmune Diseases Etc )
A healthy heart is very important for us, and it is important for us to recognise symptoms of heart disease in the initial stages before its too late.
Symptoms of Heart Disease :
Symptoms of the heart disease can vary, and many times there is an overlap of symptoms. A lot of other conditions can also cause similar symptoms. The most important cardiac symptoms are:
- Chest Pain- Usual characteristic is a feeling of chest tightness or chest pressure/heaviness. sometimes there can be a burning sensation also. there can be associated pain in the neck, jaw, throat, arm, or upper abdomen.
- Shortness of breath- Either at exertion or at rest.
- Palpitations- Undue awareness of heartbeat. ( irregular or regular –pounding )
- Syncope – Transient loss of consciousness or dizziness/lightheadedness/fainting
- Bluish discolouration of skin – In babies and children with congenital heart disease
Other Important but non-specific symptoms Include
- Cough
- Swelling in the feet
- Easy fatiguability/weakness or tiredness
- Sweating- Especially when associated with chest pain or shortness of breath
- Fever – Non-specific but usually associated with infection of the valves.
There can be other rare atypical presentations of heart disease. Therefore it is important not to ignore your symptoms and seek medical advice in a timely fashion as and when required.
