Dr. Paulraj Samuel explains, “Heart disease is a collective term for health conditions that have adverse effects on the heart. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US, Canada and the UK.”
Different Types of Heart Disease and Their Symptoms
Coronary Heart Disease
This condition occurs when the coronary arteries have been made narrower due to the buildup of plaque. This buildup of plaque causes angina, which is a symptom of coronary heart disease.
Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease
Angina causes discomfort, tightness and/or pain in the chest. It is most likely to occur during physical exertion or when the patient is experiencing strong emotions.
Arrhythmia
This term refers to an irregular heartbeat. The patient’s heartbeat is considered irregular if it beats too fast, too slowly or too early. Arrhythmia occurs when the electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract are not functioning properly.
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia may or may not produce symptoms. The result is that many patients find out that they have this condition only after their doctor performs routine tests. However, when it does present with symptoms they can include a fluttering sensation in the chest, chest pain or shortness of breath.
Congenital Heart Disease
This collective term refers to heart conditions that exist at birth. Types of congenital heart disease include holes between the two chambers called septal defects. There are also obstruction defects that cause the flow of blood between the chambers to be blocked either partially or completely. Cyanotic heart disease results in the body not getting enough oxygen due to heart defects.
Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease
The symptoms of this condition are usually apparent right after birth or within an infant’s first months. They include skin that is pale gray or blue along with rapid breathing. Some patients may have swelling in the legs and abdomen.
How to Recognize Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Many people expect the symptoms of a heart attack to be the obvious the way they are in the movies. The result is that many simply ignore the actual symptoms when they do occur; this is especially true of women as they often have different symptoms than the ones that people recognize. When it comes to heart attacks, quick action is essential. Fast treatment can help to minimize damage to heart tissues and lower the risk of death from the heart attack. Symptoms include pressure and fullness in the center of the chest. This may be accompanied by discomfort in other parts of the upper body such as the neck, jaw or stomach. The patient may also be lightheaded and nauseated.
Female Heart Attack Symptoms
While women may have the symptoms noted above, they may also have a different set of symptoms. Some women experience extreme fatigue, nausea and indigestion along with discomfort in the abdomen.
A survey by the American Heart Association in 2009 found that only 50 percent of women would call for medical help if they were having symptoms of a heart attack. Because heart disease and heart attack symptoms differ from person to person, it is important that individuals base their decision to seek medical help on what is normal for them. If they experience symptoms that they have never experienced before, they should seek help immediately.
