The most common warning sign of heart disease is chest pain or discomfort. This pain can feel like a squeezing sensation, fullness, heaviness, or ache.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Every year, it kills more people than cancer. That’s why it’s so important to be able to identify the warning signs of heart disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them! Seek medical help immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing heart disease from becoming deadly.
What are heart diseases?
Heart diseases are a type of cardiovascular disease that includes coronary heart disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Heart disease is a general term used to describe a variety of conditions that affect the structure and function of your heart.
What are the warning signs of heart disease?
The most common symptom of heart disease is chest pain or discomfort. This pain can feel like a squeezing sensation, fullness, heaviness, or ache, and it may come and go. It may radiate to your jaw, neck, arms, or back.
You may also experience shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Edema: This is the medical term for swelling caused by a buildup of fluid in your body’s tissues. It can cause swollen ankles, legs, and feet.
- Arrhythmia: This is an irregular heartbeat. It can feel like fluttering, pounding, or racing heartbeats.
- Heart murmur: This is an abnormal sound made by your heart. Your doctor can hear it with a stethoscope.
- Palpitations: These are sensations of skipped heartbeats, fluttering, or pounding in your chest.
Don’t ignore the warning signs of heart disease! Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing heart disease from becoming deadly. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical help immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
