Managing Stress for a Healthier Heart: Techniques and Practices

Common Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort (Angina)

Chest pain, often referred to as angina, is one of the most common symptoms of heart disease. This pain or discomfort occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood.

What it feels like:

• Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest.
• The sensation may last for a few minutes or come and go.
• It can radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.

When to seek medical attention:

If you experience unexplained chest pain or discomfort, especially if it's persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, seek immediate medical care. Chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious heart conditions.

2. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing can occur with or without chest pain and may indicate an underlying heart problem. This symptom is common in heart failure or blocked coronary arteries.

What it feels like:

• Feeling breathless or winded during routine activities or while at rest.
• Difficulty catching your breath when lying down.
• Sudden breathlessness that wakes you from sleep (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).

When to seek medical attention:

If you notice frequent shortness of breath, especially if it occurs without physical exertion or comes on suddenly, it's time to consult a healthcare provider. It could signal heart failure or a worsening cardiovascular condition.

3. Fatigue and Weakness

Unexplained fatigue is a less obvious symptom of heart disease but can be a warning sign of conditions like heart failure or coronary artery disease.

What it feels like:

• Feeling unusually tired after simple activities like walking or climbing stairs.
• Experiencing fatigue that persists despite adequate rest.
• Weakness or a lack of energy without an apparent cause.

When to seek medical attention:

If you feel persistently tired, especially if this fatigue is accompanied by other heart disease symptoms, consult a doctor. Fatigue could be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively.

4. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet (Edema)

Heart failure can cause a buildup of fluid in the body, leading to swelling, particularly in the lower extremities.

What it looks like:

• Swollen legs, ankles, or feet.
• Tight, shiny skin due to fluid retention.
• Pressing on the swollen area may leave an indentation (pitting edema).

When to seek medical attention:

Persistent swelling, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue, requires medical evaluation. Edema can indicate heart failure or other cardiovascular issues.

5. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)

Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering. While occasional palpitations are normal, frequent or severe episodes may point to an underlying arrhythmia or heart problem.

What it feels like:

• A sensation that your heart is beating too fast or irregularly.
• Skipped beats or a fluttering feeling in your chest.

When to seek medical attention:

If you experience frequent, prolonged, or severe palpitations, or if they are accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or fainting, seek medical attention. It could be a sign of an arrhythmia or other serious heart condition.

6. Dizziness, Lightheadedness, or Fainting

Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint could indicate that your heart is not pumping blood effectively. This symptom may occur due to heart valve issues, arrhythmias, or low blood pressure.

What it feels like:

• Feeling faint or like you're going to pass out.
• Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up.
• Actual fainting (loss of consciousness).

When to seek medical attention:

If you experience frequent dizziness or fainting episodes, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. These symptoms could indicate an abnormal heart rhythm or other cardiovascular conditions.

7. Pain in the Arm, Neck, Jaw, or Back

Heart-related chest pain can radiate to other parts of the body, including the arms, neck, jaw, or back. This is especially true for women, who may experience these symptoms more commonly than men during a heart attack.

What it feels like:

• Pain or discomfort in the left arm or both arms.
• Pain that spreads to the neck, jaw, shoulder, or upper back.
• The discomfort may start suddenly or gradually.

When to seek medical attention:

If you experience pain in these areas, particularly if it's accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical care. This could be a warning sign of a heart attack.

8. Nausea, Indigestion, or Stomach Pain

Heart disease symptoms can sometimes mimic digestive issues, particularly in women. Nausea, indigestion, or stomach pain may be linked to heart problems.

What it feels like:

• Upset stomach, nausea, or a feeling of indigestion.
• Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

When to seek medical attention:

If you experience unexplained digestive symptoms, especially alongside other heart-related signs like chest pain or shortness of breath, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. These symptoms may indicate a heart attack or other serious condition.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention as they may indicate a heart attack or other life-threatening condition. Call emergency services if you experience:

• Chest pain or discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
• Shortness of breath that worsens or occurs suddenly.
• Pain in the arm, neck, jaw, or back that radiates from the chest.
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness.
• Palpitations accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath.