Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Heart Disease Symptoms

There are several types of heart diseases, and the major ones includes coronary, heart attack, rheumatic, atherosclerosis, congenital and arrhythmia. The symptoms of heart disease varies from type to type, and unfortunately, not all heart disease symptoms show up in the early stage. These warning signs also varies from people to people. Below are some of the common symptoms for several types of heart diseases.

Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease can happen when our coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle hardened and narrowed. This is due to the buildup of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Symptoms include:

* Angina
Feeling discomfort, heaviness, pain, fullness in your chest. This is commonly felt in the chest although it can happen in one or both arms, left shoulder, neck, jaw or back.
* Shortness of breath
* Weakness or dizziness
* Sweating
* Palpitations (irregular heart beats)
* Rapid heart beats
* Feeling nausea

Heart Failure
Symptoms include:

* Shortness of breath
* Experiencing chest pain
* Cough, producing white mucus
* Quick weight gain (1 to 1.5kg a day)
* Swelling in ankles, legs and abdomen
* Dizziness
* Fatigue
* Palpitations (irregular heart beats)
* Rapid heart beats
* Feeling nausea


Heart Attack
Symptoms include:

* Chest discomfort, usually last more than a few minutes. Feels like pressure, squeezing, pain or fullness
* Discomfort in the arm, jaw, throat, back or below the breastbone
* Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
* Sweating (cold sweat, nausea, vomiting or lightheadedness
* Extreme weakness, anxiety or shortness of breath
* Palpitations (irregular heart beats)
* Rapid heart beats


Most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort, but there are some which are sudden and intense. The symptoms can last 30 minutes or more, and if not relieved soon enough, damage will be caused to your heart. If you experience chest discomfort, don't wait for more than 5 minutes before calling for help. Call 911 and it might just save your life.

Most people do not know what is going on and waited too long before seeking help. Always go to the hospital through an ambulance if possible, you can receive treatment faster than by car.

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