Symptoms Of Heart Disease That Are Often Ignored
Do you know of any symptoms of heart disease? Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, more than any form of cancer or chronic disease. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 17.3 million people worldwide died in 2008 as a result of cardiovascular disease. This number is estimated to increase to 23 million per year by 2030.
Why does heart disease lead to so many deaths? Many heart problems are the result of poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, environmental pollution and tobacco use, among others. But one of the reasons why this health problem leads to so many deaths is that people ignore warning signs and symptoms. In addition, it takes too long before they seek professional help to avoid the worst of all the consequences. The majority of symptoms of heart disease are not serious and they can be confused with symptoms of other diseases.
Learning to recognize the symptoms of heart disease can save lives. So staying informed will be one step towards prevention. Below we will share 10 warning signs of heart disease that you should not ignore.
Symptoms of heart disease: Dizziness and difficulty breathing
Dizziness and difficulty breathing are signs that may indicate a heart attack. Such symptoms can lead to loss of consciousness and indicate irregularities in the heart, such as arrhythmia.
Exhaustion
This symptom particularly affects women, and it can occur during a heart attack or days, hours or even weeks before. The fact that you often feel exhausted can be a sign of a heart disease.
Of course, this symptom can also be a sign of another illness or health disorder. It is best to consult your doctor to get the correct diagnosis.
Nausea and lack of appetite
Many people experience nausea and vomiting while suffering from a heart attack. In addition, a symptom such as bloating, which can also be associated with heart failure, can interfere with appetite.
Chest pain
Chest pain is a classic symptom of a heart attack, but not in all cases. Jean C. McSweeney, a researcher at the University of Arkansas School of Medical Science and Disease said that this is the first symptom people look for, but it does not appear in all cases. McSweeney stated that this pain feels like “an elephant is sitting on the chest”, but can also manifest itself as an unpleasant feeling of pressure or fullness.
Pain in different parts of the body
Chest pain is the most common pain reported in a heart attack. However, this pain can extend into the arms, elbows, back, neck, jaw or abdomen. In some cases, the pain will actually occur in other parts of the body, and not in the chest.
Irregular heartbeat
Occasional changes in heart rate are common. However, when an irregular heartbeat is accompanied by weakness, dizziness and difficulty breathing, it can be a sign of a heart attack, heart failure or arrhythmia.
Shortness of breath
Losing your breath without much effort, or while resting, can be a sign of lung disease such as asthma or chronic lung obstruction. There may also be symptoms of heart disease, such as a heart attack or heart failure. During a heart attack, difficulty breathing may be accompanied by chest pain, but not in all cases.
Sweating
Outbreaks of cold sweats, especially while resting, are a sign of a heart attack. This symptom appears just before the attack.
Inflammation
If you suffer from a heart defect, it can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the body. The swelling is noticeable in the feet, ankles, legs and abdomen.
Looking pale or sick
Many people look pale or gray before suffering a heart attack. As the blood pressure drops, it will be clear that the person is ill.