A number of health problems can affect the heart, including cardiovascular disease, congenital defects and infection. Each of these conditions can affect the heart in different ways, causing warning signs that may be difficult to differentiate from other medical problems. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor for a complete examination.
Chest and Limb Pain
Chest pain can be a warning sign of heart problems. The discomfort may sometimes extend to other parts of the upper body, including the arms or shoulders, causing a sensation of pressure, gas, burning, aching or sharp pain.
Pain in the arms and legs can occur as a result of ischemia, a condition in which the tissues in the extremities do not get enough blood. This can be caused by a clogged or blocked artery that inhibits blood flow to and from the heart. Complete blockages can lead to the acute onset of severe limb pain and can cause the affected limb to become pale and cool, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Partial blockages can cause a tightening or fatiguing of a muscle during physical activity (commonly a leg muscle such as the calf).
Arrhythmia
A heart arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat, can cause your heart to beat too fast, too slow or at an irregular rhythm. Symptoms related to arrhythmia include a racing heart (tachycardia), fluttering in the chest, slow heartbeat (bradycardia), syncope (transient loss of consciousness), lightheadedness or near fainting or shortness of breath, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Other Warning Signs
Other general warning signs of heart problems include shortness of breath, fatigue, limitation of physical activity, swelling and numbness.
Breathlessness even at rest, a bloating of the abdomen caused by fluid build-up, swelling of the extremities and fatigue are some of the signs of cardiomyopathy, or a thickening of the heart muscle.
If these symptoms are accompanied by a fever, cough or skin rashes, you may have an infection and should seek prompt medical care. Some of these symptoms may also be caused by respiratory or nerve conditions, so it is important to check with your doctor if you notice any of these signs.
Signs Appearing in Infancy through Young Adulthood
Serious congenital heart defects can cause warning signs within the first few hours or days of life among infants. Heart problems may interfere with the baby's ability to get oxygen to his bodily tissues and cause the skin to turn pale gray or bluish in color (cyanosis). Other signs include shortness of breath during feedings; poor weight gain; and swelling in the legs, abdomen or face (particularly around the eyes), according to the Mayo Clinic.
Less severe congenital heart defects may not be detected until later in childhood or early adulthood, causing symptoms such as a build-up of fluid in the heart or lungs and swelling in the extremities and may cause a person to tire easily and become short of breath during exercise or activity.
Urgent Signs
Although heart attack symptoms may vary from person to person, you should seek emergency medical care if you experience a pressure or tight squeezing in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes, upper body pain with or without chest discomfort, stomach pain, uncomfortable or difficult breathing, unexplained anxiety or panic, dizziness or fainting, cold and clammy skin, unusual perspiration, nausea or vomiting. According to the Mayo Clinic, women may also feel unique symptoms that include abdominal pain; a heartburn sensation; sweating; unusual fatigue; nausea or vomiting; and neck, jaw, shoulder or back discomfort.
