What are the signs and symptoms of heart disease?

The signs and symptoms of heart disease depend upon the type of heart disease a person has. Heart disease is a disorder in the body, that leads to health problems like heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, etc. A few possible causes are high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, higher alcohol intake, depression, increase in cholesterol level, poor blood circulation, narrowing of blood vessels, etc.

Sign and Symptoms of Heart Disease

The heart is a muscular organ, located in the chest between the lungs behind the sternum and above the diaphragm. It is about the size of a fist. The heart needs an adequate blood supply to get Oxygen and nutrients for normal functioning. It pumps blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to all the parts of the body (including the heart itself) through arteries.

What is heart disease?

When one or more coronary arteries (the artery carrying blood to the heart) narrow down, the required amount of blood supply to the heart hampers. It causes coronary heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Center for disease control, In the U.S. in every four deaths, one death is due to heart disease. App. 610000 people die due to heart disease per year in the United States only. Heart disease is the range of health conditions, that involves:-

Blood vessel disease such as Coronary artery disease (CAD). It is the most common form of heart disease.
Heart rhythm problems (Arrhythmia), that involves improper heart beating, whether irregular, too fast, or too slow.
Heart defects, people born with defects in the heart (congenital heart disease).
Weak heart muscles(dilated cardiomyopathy) caused by weak heart muscles.
Heart infections caused by an infection in the heart.
In valvular heart disease, the heart has four valves. when these valves get damaged, valvular heart disease is caused.

Symptoms of Heart disease.

The signs and symptoms of heart disease depend upon the type of heart disease a person has. Following are a few symptoms of heart diseases.

Symptoms of heart disease in blood vessels.

Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, and chest discomfort (angina).
Shortness of breath.
Pain in the neck, jaws, throat, upper abdomen, or back.
Pain, numbness, weakness in limbs. May be due to the narrowing of blood vessels in the limbs.

Symptoms of heart disease due to heart rhythm problems.

Racing heartbeat (tachycardia).
Slow heartbeat(bradycardia).
Chest pain or discomfort.
Shortness of breath.
Lightheadedness
Dizziness.
Fluttering in the chest.
Fainting(syncope) or near fainting condition.

Symptoms of heart disease due to heart defects.

Pale grey or blue skin color.
Swelling in the abdominal area, legs, or areas around the eyes.
In an infant, shortness of breath while feeding, poor weight gain.

Symptoms of heart disease due to weak heart muscles.

Irregular heartbeats, that feel rapid, pounding, or fluttering.
Breathlessness on exertion or at rest.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Symptoms of heart disease caused by heart infection.

Fever
Shortness of breath.
Dry or persistent cough.
Changes in heart rhythm.
Skin rashes.
Weakness or fatigue.
Swelling in legs and abdominal area.

Symptoms of heart disease caused by valvular heart disease.

Shortness of breath.
Irregular heartbeats.
Pain in the chest.
Fatigue
Swelling in feet and ankles.
Fainting.

When to seek medical advice?

Doctor consultation is needed when someone has the following signs and symptoms of heart disease:-

**Consult your healthcare provider- for signs and symptoms of heart disease**

Chest pain.
Shortening of breath.
Fainting.
Tiredness.
Swelling of legs, ankles, and abdomen.
Sudden weight increase.
Rapid heartbeat.
Frequency of urination.
Loss of Appetite.

Preventing the risk of heart disease.

Heart disease is easier to treat when detected in an early stage. Consult the physician he can advise you, possible treatment, and guide you on how to reduce heart disease risk. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with a healthy lifestyle

In Ayurveda, it is also claimed to have formulations, useful in the treatment of heart diseases. The following few suggestions may reduce the risk of heart disease.

**High blood pressure risk factor for heart disease.**

Controlling the blood pressure:- High blood pressure is the major risk factor for heart disease. One must check blood pressure regularly. For more details about – How blood pressure impacts the health of a person? please click on the link https://maansisurvivalaidfoundation.com/how-high-blood-pressure-impact-health-of-a-person/

**High cholesterol levels may increase heart disease risk.**

Controlling Cholesterol levels:- Arteries carrying blood can be clogged due to high cholesterol levels. And may lead to heart disease. Adopting lifestyle changes can help in controlling cholesterol levels. To know more about Cholesterol Good or Bad. Please click the link https://maansisurvivalaidfoundation.com/cholesterol-good-or-bad/

**Obesity a risk factor for heart disease.**

Maintaining a healthy weight:- Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk factors linked to heart disease, like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, etc.

**Healthy eating habits can reduce risk of heart disease.**

Consuming a healthy diet:- Eating a healthy diet containing seasonal vegetables and fruits and avoiding unhealthy foods (foods rich in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars) can help in reducing the risk of many heart diseases. For more reading- Unhealthy diet- A major cause of premature death<<= Click here.

**Regular excercise reduces risk of signs and symptoms of heart disease**

Regularly exercising:- Adopting an active lifestyle and exercising regularly can lower the risk of heart disease. It can help in strengthening heart muscles and can improve blood circulation.

**Alcohol consumption may increase signs and symptoms of heart disease.**

Limiting alcohol consumption:- Drinking too much alcohol may lead to an increase in blood pressure and gain in weight. Both may increase the risk of heart disease. Limiting consumption or avoiding alcohol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

**Quitting smoking may reduce risk of heart disease.**

Quitting smoking: Cigarette smoking may increase blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. Quitting smoking may help in reducing blood pressure and may lower the risk of heart disease.

Reducing stress can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease — **Reducing stress can reduce risk of heart disease**

Managing stress levels: Increased stress levels may increase blood pressure and increase heart disease risk. Stress levels can be managed by adopting yoga, meditation, listening to your favorite music, etc. For more reading- How to cut down stress levels? <<= Click here.

Cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by- controlling blood sugar — **Signs and symptoms of heart disease- controlling blood sugar**

Controlling your blood sugar levels (diabetes):- Diabetes doubles the risk of diabetic heart disease. High blood sugar may lead to damage to blood vessels and nerves. That may increase heart disease risk. For more details about early signs and symptoms of diabetes. Please click on https://maansisurvivalaidfoundation.com/what-are-the-early-signs-and-symptoms-of-diabetes/

cardiovascular can be prevented-by regular sleeping hours — **Signs and symptoms of heart disease- regular sleeping hours**

Regular and fixed sleeping hours:– Regular sleeping hours can help in reducing the risk for high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, The major risk factors for heart disease. Sleep apnea may also lead to an increased risk of heart disease. For more details about sleep apnea. Please click on https://maansisurvivalaidfoundation.com/sleep-apnea-may-be-due-to-fat-tongue/

Wishing all a healthy life, with proper care of your heart. For more details about Caring for your heart please click on https://maansisurvivalaidfoundation.com/caring-for-your-heart/

(For public awareness only).