The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists heart disease as the number one cause of death in the United States. Approximately 630,000 people die every year due to heart disease in the United States alone. Early discovery and treatment of heart disease can prevent serious heart problems, such as heart attack and congestive heart failure, from occurring. Certain symptoms of heart disease can be evaluated by a physician to properly diagnose your condition. You should contact a physician if you or someone you know is experiencing any symptoms of a serious heart problem.
Dyspnea
Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath. In "Your Heart: An Owner's Manual," Lawrence S. Cohen, M.D. explains it may be the earliest and most common symptom of heart disease. Shortness of breath is normal when you are doing activities requiring exertion, such as running, walking up a flight of stairs, or sexual intercourse. However, shortness of breath that comes on suddenly without exertion or with light exertion---such as walking---is reason to be concerned. Dyspnea may be indicative of heart failure, coronary artery disease, lung disease or anxiety disorder. It is also one of the telltale signs of a blood clot in the lungs.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is the second most common symptom of a serious heart complication. Pain radiating from the chest is usually experienced during angina (chest pain) or heart attack as a result of reduced blood flow to the heart. Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's lining) and disruption of the aorta, the main artery supplying blood from the heart, will also cause chest pain. The pain felt from these major heart complications can radiate up to the jaw and down the left arm. Heart burn or indigestion and chest soreness due to physical exertion may be confused with chest pain related to heart problems. If you experience sudden or frequent chest pain, you should call your physician or go to the emergency room.
Cyanosis
A bluish appearance of the skin is referred to as cyanosis. Cyanosis is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood that reaches the body's surface. The lips, nose, cheeks and fingertips are common areas of discoloration with cyanosis. A person experiencing cyanosis will usually have ice cold hands and face, noticeably apparent to the touch. Cyanosis may indicate a serious underlying heart problem, such as cardiogenic shock or severe heart disease.
Edema
Edema---r swelling of the ankles, abdomen and face due to water retention---is another common symptom brought on by an underlying heart problem. Swelling of the abdomen and legs may indicate right-sided heart failure. Pain is not normally associated with edema, however increased discomfort from wearing shoes due to swollen ankles may indicate heart disease. Your physician will be able to distinguish whether the cause of edema is associated with a heart issue or something relatively harmless such as high salt intake.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease
- "Your Heart: An Owner's Guide"; Lawrence S. Cohen, M.D.; February 22, 2007
