Signs of Heart Problems
A variety of problems can affect the heart, ranging from mild problems to life-threatening issues. Regardless of severity, heart problems generally cause a variety of signs and symptoms. Look for some common signs and symptoms to determine whether to seek immediate medical help.
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Chest Pain
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Many types of heart problems, including coronary artery disease and heart muscle defects, can cause chest pain. Chest pain is one of the most common signs of an underlying heart problem and normally arises from a lack of coronary blood flow.
Shortness of Breath
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Shortness of breath is a common sign of a variety of heart problems, especially problems that affect blood flow and/or oxygen transport within the heart muscle, including coronary artery disease and ventricular disease.
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Leg Swelling
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Certain heart problems, including congestive heart failure and ventricular disease, can weaken the heart muscle and interfere with normal blood circulation throughout the body. This can often cause swelling in the extremities, most notably in the legs.
Heartbeat Disturbances
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Any unusual heartbeat patterns or fluctuations that arise for no apparent reason are often a sign of an underlying heart problem affecting the electrical conductivity through the heart muscle.
Heart Attack
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A major sign of an underlying heart problem is a heart attack, which results from a lack of blood flow through one or more of the coronary arteries. A heart attack is often a sign of underlying coronary artery disease.
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