What Is Heart Disease And What Are The Symptoms?

By Lena Stephenson


Heart disease is used to describe a number of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system in the body. While some of conditions can be detected at birth, others affect blood vessels and the rhythm. It is important to understand what is heart disease and its symptoms to facilitate early detection which minimizes risks associated with the condition.

The most common cardiovascular conditions are blocking and narrowing of blood vessels. These conditions lead to pain, heart attacks and stroke in some cases. Conditions affecting the rhythm, valves and cardiovascular muscles are also captured in this category. Good lifestyle choices can prevent the severity of these conditions.

The type of condition will determine the symptoms that will be manifested. When the vessels are blocked, narrow or stiff, other parts of the body like the brain cannot receive enough blood. Men may display signs and symptoms that are different from women. The most common symptoms in women are extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and nausea.

Cardiovascular defects can be identified through numbness and weakening feet. The most common cause of cold feet is narrow blood vessels. You should report to the doctor in case you experience pain on such areas as the neck, throat, jaw and abdomen. Most patients will be diagnosed with heart failure and attack, angina and stroke before the doctor can detect cardiovascular conditions.

Abnormal heartbeats are fast, slow or irregular. They indicate a condition that should raise concern. The symptoms are fluttering of the chest, a racing heartbeat, chest pains and discomfort and lightheadedness. Dizziness and fainting or near fainting are the other signs that should cause alarm.

Children at birth are frequently diagnosed with congenital defects. You are likely to observe short breath during exercise or activity, getting tired quickly and swollen feet, ankles and hands. These conditions are not threatening to their life but can get complicated over time. They need to be corrected early enough to ensure normal growth or complications in future.

Stiff and thick surrounding muscles and blood vessels cause a weak cardiovascular system. As the condition gets worse, these signs begin to emerge. The patient experience breathlessness at rest or with exertion, has swollen feet, ankles and legs and may also feel dizzy lightheaded and faint easily.

Infections on the cardiovascular system will still lead to diseases and fall under the cardiovascular category. These infections affect surrounding muscles, tissues and membranes. The patient will display different symptoms depending on the condition. Common symptoms are dry persistent cough, fatigue, weakness, short breath, unusual spots and rashes on the skin.

Valvular diseases damage muscles and vessels leading to narrow chambers, improper closing or leakage. The symptoms displayed depend on the valve that is affected. Common symptoms are fainting, chest pains, fatigue and short breath.

The symptoms that should raise alarm are fatigue, fainting, short breath and chest pains. It is advantageous for these conditions to be detected early to facilitate treatment and reduce the level of exposure to risk. If your family has a history of cardiovascular diseases, you should discuss your concerns with the doctor to minimize your chances of having an attack.




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