What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Heart Problems?
Recognizing the early signs of a heart problem allows you to seek medical advice and treatment, and make lifestyle changes to help prevent an eventual heart attack or stroke. The signs vary, so it's important to be aware of your own body. If any of the symptoms occur, report them to your physician and have the proper diagnosis.
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Breathing Troubles
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You may have trouble catching your breath or taking a deep breath. The problem could occur during activity or while you're inactive. If it occurs during sleep, you'll wake up tired from your inability to breath easily during the night. A feeling of tightness in your chest signals a possible heart attack, so seek attention.
Fatigue
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Being tired from a late night or excess exercise differs from the sense of absolute fatigue that comes over people with heart problems. If you can't walk easily, climb stairs, or do any of the activities that are normal to you, then see your physician.
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Angina / Chest Pain
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If early warning signs have been ignored, one of the most obvious symptoms of a heart problem is chest pain. Angina pain in the chest may be temporary, occurring during exercise, and it stops when the activity stops. This may lead a person to ignore the signs, however it's a warning that your heart is not getting a good flow of blood.
Swelling
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Swelling in the extremities or weight gain that isn't attributable to excess calories, can be a sign that you are maintaining fluid in your body. The condition, called edema, could be a result of a problem with the heart in which the blood slows and affects the ability of the kidneys to process fluid, leaving it in the tissues. If fluid builds up in the lungs, it produces coughing.
Racing Heartbeats
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The heart may thud heavily in your chest, race or beat erratically. These signs that your heart is not beating at a normal rhythm should be investigated.
Nausea / Feeling Lightheaded
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If blood is not being pumped properly to the head or digestive system, you will feel it as dizziness or nausea. In serious conditions, it may be a sign of an impending heart attack.
Symptoms in Men & Women
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Although many of the typical signs and symptoms of heart problems apply equally to both sexes, women may have more generalized symptoms, such as fatigue. The same is true for warnings of a heart attack in women. They may not feel the traditional pain in their chest but feel it in the neck, shoulder or back and may be extraordinarily fatigued, nauseous and dizzy.
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