Signs of Heart Disease

Heart Disease is an umbrella term for conditions and diseases related to the heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States," killing over 700,000 people in the United States each year. Knowing the signs and symptoms of heart disease are key in preventing the progression of this disease. Those who experience the signs of heart disease should seek treatment immediately. Read on to find out more about the signs and symptoms of heart disease.

Features

According to the CDC, there are five symptoms and signs that are most commonly associated with heart disease in general, and heart attacks specifically. These signs include pain or discomfort in the chest, arms or shoulders, sudden shortness of breath, and feeling faint, weak, fatigued or faint, according to the CDC. Those who experience these signs should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Considerations

There are certain conditions that can cause people to be at higher risk for developing heart disease. According to the CDC, those who have high blood pressure, high levels of "bad cholesterol" also known as LDL, and diabetes are at great risk for heart disease. Those who smoke, have diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol, don't participate in regular physical activity, are obese and drink alcohol excessively, also develop heart disease at a higher rate, according to the CDC.

Prevention/Solution

Although heart disease is one of the deadliest diseases in the country, it can be prevented. People at risk for heart disease should schedule regular check-ups and make lifestyle changes that lower their risk for developing the disease. Prevention measures such as getting your cholesterol checked and making sure bad cholesterol levels aren't high as well as eating healthy, exercising often, and monitoring blood pressure can help prevent heart disease. Not smoking, limiting the amount of alcohol that is consumed and maintaining a normal body weight are also ways to prevent heart disease, according to the CDC.

Misconceptions

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are often no symptoms of heart disease, which is why it is extremely important to watch out for signs that may indicate that someone has heart disease. In addition to the signs mentioned above, feelings of dizziness, nausea, abnormal heartbeats accompanied with strong or mild pain in the chests that last longer than just a few minutes, can all be signs of heart disease.

Expert Insight

Men are less likely than women to exhibit the common signs of a heart attack, According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Women with heart disease may also experience "heartburn, loss of appetite, coughing and heart flutters", according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These signs can even occur as long as weeks before an actual heart attack, and the more signs of heart disease that a person shows, the higher chance that they will have a heart attack, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Resources

• Heart Disease Facts and Figures
• Heart Disease Information