Heart disease, which includes heart arrhythmia, heart failure and coronary artery disease, is the leading cause of death in adults in the United States. Risk factors for developing heart disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol and obesity. If you experience any of the leading symptoms of heart disease, seek emergency medical care to prevent life-threatening medical complications.
Angina
Heart disease can interfere with the way in which your heart receives blood. If your heart muscle is not supplied with adequate levels of blood, you can experience discomfort or pain within your chest---a condition called angina. Painful angina symptoms can also radiate throughout your upper body and may spread into your neck, jaw, shoulders, arms or back. Nausea or an upset stomach can also accompany symptoms of angina in certain patients, explain health officials with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Breathing Difficulties
You can experience significant breathing difficulties as a symptom of heart disease. It may be difficult for you to participate in your usual activities without feeling abnormally winded or out-of-breath. Heart disease can affect the way your heart pumps blood through your body, which may cause you to develop shortness of breath. In some patients, these leading symptoms of heart disease may also occur in conjunction with headache or angina.
Dizziness
If you develop poor blood circulation throughout your body due to heart disease, you can experience frequent episodes of dizziness or lightheadedness. Such symptoms may also lead to headache, nausea or fainting in certain patients. Sensations of dizziness can interfere with your ability to walk or stand and may cause you to trip or stumble more frequently than usual.
Abnormal Heartbeat
An abnormally fast (tachycardia) or slow (bradycardia) heartbeat is a leading symptom of heart disease and can contribute to additional symptoms, including angina, dizziness or shortness of breath. Certain people also experience a fluttering sensation within the chest due to heart rate abnormalities caused by heart disease.
Fatigue
When your heart is unable to efficiently pump blood through your body due to heart disease, your cells, tissues and organs are unable to supply you with the energy your body demands. This can cause you to experience excessive fatigue or tiredness if you have heart disease. You can find it difficult to remain alert and attentive throughout your work day or may need to take frequent naps to maintain your energy levels.
Swelling
Abnormal swelling of your feet, ankles or legs is a leading symptom of heart disease---particularly heart failure. Such symptoms can cause your lower extremities to appear enlarged and may contribute to difficulties walking or standing. Certain people can also experience swelling within the hands or abdomen as a symptom of heart disease, explain doctors at The Mayo Clinic.
