Beginning Signs & Symptoms of Heart Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the term, "heart disease," includes a variety of heart disorders, with coronary heart disease (CHD) being the most common and often the precursor to other heart conditions. A diagnosis of heart disease relies upon the personal observation of symptoms and the results of doctor-ordered tests. (Reference 1)
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Angina
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When clogged arteries reduce the normal blood flow, the heart strains to supply the brain and other parts of the body with sufficient oxygen and nutrients, resulting in chest pain or discomfort, known as angina. This may be the first physical sign of CHD, and the discomfort may extend upward into the patient's arm and shoulder, sometimes affecting the neck and the jaw. (Reference 1)
Irregular Heartbeat
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CHD may weaken the heart muscle, increasing the risk of an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). In some cases, the patient may feel the irregularity or his doctor may discover it during a routine medical exam. An arrhythmia may be slower or faster than a normal heartbeat. (Reference 1)
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Breathing
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Although shortness of breath is a common sign of a heart attack, it is also a symptom of early heart failure. As a result of fluid leakage into the lungs from overworked blood veins, the patient may experience breathlessness, frequently when lying down. In addition, coughing may increase. (Reference 2)
Swelling
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Fluid retention may be a sign of beginning heart disease, as the blood flowing back to the heart backs up and the kidneys fail to sufficiently processes water and sodium out through the urine. The excess fluid, following the pull of gravity, frequently settles in the legs and feet, making the legs and ankles swell and patient's shoes seem tighter. (Reference 2)
Mental
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Confusion, memory loss and a sense of disorientation may result from altered levels of normal substances in the blood, like sodium, if the heart is struggling. A family member may be more likely to notice the onset of the mental symptoms of early heart disease. (Reference 2)
General
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An overall feeling of general malaise may accompany beginning heart disease, including a lack of energy and fatigue after completing daily tasks. The patient may also experience a reduced appetite or nausea. (Reference 2)
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