The heart is arguably our most critical organ, other than the brain. Yet it is often the most mistreated -- with poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise and extra weight. The American Heart Association reports that over a third of Americans die due to cardiovascular diseases. Nutritious food, healthy exercise, restful sleep and stress management can go a long way to prevent many heart conditions. Be aware of the early signs of a heart problem.
Fainting
Passing out, known as syncope, is an early sign of a heart problem. This is sometimes seen in a young person who has seemed healthy her entire life. Some individuals have a sensation of dizziness or that the room is spinning prior to fainting. Syncope may be accompanied by cardiac arrest, a medical emergency. Syncope related to exertion warrants a thorough diagnostic workup to evaluate the individual for a heart rhythm disorder. Fainting may also occur due to a heart attack or heart failure.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is a classic sign of heart attack. It may also signal angina, a heart condition that must be monitored to avoid future heart attack. Sometimes, the pain is felt in the back, neck, teeth, jaw, arm or shoulder. Chest pain in someone not diagnosed with angina is considered a medical emergency. Chest pain of more than 10 minutes in someone with angina is also a medical emergency.
Difficulty Breathing
The American Heart Association explains that difficulty breathing is a sign of heart failure. Also called dyspnea, this symptom may be noticeable after exertion, such as walking up a hill. Dyspnea that occurs during rest often indicates a more serious condition. Some individuals find themselves unable to lie flat and prop themselves up on pillows at night in order to be able to breathe. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute states that a new onset of breathing difficulty may also be the first sign of a heart attack. Additionally, heart rhythm disorders can cause breathing problems. Dyspnea should always be reported to a physician or treated in a hospital emergency room.
Palpitations
Another early sign of a heart problem is palpitations -- the sensation of the heart pounding in the chest. A rapid heart rate may be felt or simply that the heart is beating more strongly than normal. Skipped beats may be apparent. A person of any age who is having palpitations that are not due to anxiety should have a physical examination to determine if he has a heart rhythm disorder, heart failure or coronary artery disease.
Fatigue
Any decline in the functioning of the heart can lead to a feeling of fatigue. Just as a car's performance suffers when the engine isn't running properly, the human body is greatly affected by any problem with the heart. This often manifests as fatigue, or excessive tiredness. Anyone experiencing several weeks of fatigue despite adequate opportunities for rest and sleep should be examined for possible heart disease, heart rhythm problem or heart failure.
