Not all types of heart disease cause noticeable symptoms. In others, there are numerous symptoms. Here’s a look at what a person with one of these diseases might notice.
Coronary or Ischemic Heart Disease
Symptoms include chest pain upon exertion, during cold weather and in emotional situations. A heart attack, which is severe chest pain not relieved by rest, is sometimes the first symptom. Difficulty breathing, swelling in the hands or feet and heart burn are other possible symptoms.
Cardiomyopathy
Chest pain may be noticed, but this type is frequently without symptoms. Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat may be noticed.
Hypertensive Heart Disease
pressure is high by visiting your doctor. There are also blood- pressure checking machines in many pharmacies.
Heart failure or Congestive Cardiac Failure
The term heart failure leads many people to believe that the heart is not working at all, when in fact it is functioning. It is failing.
The symptoms include:
– Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
– Irregular heartbeat
– Chronic cough due to excess fluid in the lungs
– Fatigue
– Swelling in the feet, ankles and lower legs
– Swelling or bloating in the abdomen
Dysrhythmias
People often notice dysrhythmias. Heart palpitations may be frequent, infrequent or continuous. If the heartbeat is too fast, too slow or too weak to supply the body’s needs, symptoms of lightheadedness, fainting or dizziness may occur.
Endocarditis, Cardiomegaly and Myocarditis
The symptoms of these depend on the degree of inflammation. If an infection is present, fever and other symptoms of the infection may be present. Palpitations may be noticed. The symptoms of congestive heart failure may occur, as the inflammation can lead to cardiac failure.
Valvular Heart Diseases
Valvular heart diseases do not cause symptoms unless they are quite serious. The diseases are usually detected during routine physical exams when doctors hear a “murmur”.
Cerebrovascular Disease; Embolisms/Aneurisms
Embolisms and aneurisms may not cause symptoms until a stroke occurs. Severe headache is the most common symptom of a stroke. Confusion is another. Loss of consciousness sometimes occurs, but is rare. Visual disturbances and temporary blindness may occur. Other symptoms vary depending on which area of the brain is affected, but weakness and unsteadiness are usually present.