Overview
Heart disease is a comprehensive term encompassing a spectrum of conditions that impact the heart and its associated blood vessels, collectively called cardiovascular disease. This ailment manifests in various ways, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and heart failure. By comprehending the intricacies of heart disease, individuals can make well-informed decisions regarding their health and proactively prevent its onset through lifestyle modifications, facilities for early detection, etc. raising awareness and enhancing the understanding of heart disease can serve pivotal measures in preventing and managing this pervasive illness, which affects individual across all age groups and background. This article offers valuable insights if you want to know more about this condition.
Types of Heart Disease and their symptoms
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a progressive heart disease in which the heart muscle enlarges and thickens. This impairs blood and pumping, leading to heart failure and abnormal rhythms.
Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy
In the early stages of cardiomyopathy, there may be no noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, common symptoms may include:
-
-
- Facing problems in taking a breath during activity or at rest
- Fluid retention in the legs, ankles, and feet swelling
- Coughing
- Difficulty lying on the bed
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
-
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which the coronary arteries become narrowed due to atherosclerosis, characterised by a buildup of cholesterol, fats, and calcium in the artery walls.
Symptoms of Coronary artery disease
-
-
- CAD can be difficult to detect initially, and symptoms often may appear as the condition worsens.
- Early symptoms may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath during physical activity, and irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias.
- Sudden pain in the middle of the chest (angina) that radiates to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back may indicate a heart attack.
-
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias: Cardiac arrhythmias are conditions characterised by irregular heartbeats caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart. These disorders can lead to irregular heartbeats and increased or decreased heart rate. Some arrhythmias are harmless and may present as fluttering or spiking, while others can cause severe and even life-threatening symptoms.
Symptoms of Arrhythmias
-
-
- Palpitations
- Chest pounding
- Fainting
- Fatigue or weakness
- Light headache or dizziness
-
Heart Valve Disease
Heart Valve Disease: It is a medical condition that affects the four valves of the heart and their ability to function properly. It is a congenital disorder in which one or more valves do not open or close correctly.
Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease
-
- Shortness of breath and difficulty, especially during daily activities or while lying in bed
- Weakness or dizziness
- Chest Discomfort is characterised by tightness or heaviness, especially when exercising or in cold air.
- Palpitations may manifest as a fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, skipped beats, etc.
Symptoms of Heart disease in women and men
Cardiovascular disease is a significant health problem affecting men and women in India. However, the prevalence of CVD between men and women, with men having a higher risk of developing CVD at an earlier age. Symptoms of cardiovascular disease may also differ between men and women. Typically the most common symptom of cardiovascular disease is chest pain or discomfort, but women are more likely to experience other symptoms, such as
-
- Shortness of breath,
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Back or jaw pain, and
- Fatigue
Heart disease is an increasingly common and potentially fatal condition caused by weakening the heart muscle due to various environmental, physiological, and lifestyle factors. Although heart disease affects men and women differently, they may share many of the same risk factors. Women are more likely than men to experience silent symptoms of heart disease, such as typical chest pain, lightheadedness, nausea, profuse sweating, and fatigue.
Symptoms of Heart disease in children and aged people
In India, a staggering number of more than 200,000 children are born with heart disease each year. Surprisingly, nearly 20% of these young people experience a life-threatening disorder that requires urgent treatment during the first year of life. These heart problems in children cover a variety of conditions, including congenital heart defects, viral infections that affect the heart, and acquired heart defects associated with a disease or genetic syndrome. The prevalence of these diseases underscores the importance of specialised medical care and timely inventions to protect the health and survival of vulnerable youth.
Studies show that older women are at greater risk and explain how cardiovascular disease has become a critical health problem in India. There are a variety of factors that contribute to this risk, such as hormonal changes and lifestyle. Hormonal changes associated with menopause in women can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In postmenopausal women, oestrogen level decreases which can lead to changes in cholesterol metabolism and increase the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The study also finds out that hypertension is a major cause of this condition rising among women.
The clinical picture of CVD also differs between older women and men. Cardiovascular disease can be challenging to diagnose as women may experience symptoms such as:
-
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Back or jaw pain
- Dizziness and,
- Fatigue
On the other hand, men may experience chest pain or discomfort, which can lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
When to Consult a Doctor
You can also get in touch with the expert cardiology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.
FAQs
Q. What are the common symptoms of heart disease?
A. Common symptoms of heart disease are:
-
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling
Q. How do heart disease symptoms differ between men and women?
A. The difference between women’s and men’s symptoms are:
-
- Chest pain: Men often experience typical angina (pressure or discomfort), while women may have atypical symptoms or no chest pain.
- Shortness of breath: This can be experienced both in men and women, but it can be a significant symptom in women.
- Other symptoms: Women may experience unexplained anxiety, nausea or vomiting, and jaw or back pain, while men may experience them more during physical exertion.
Q. What is angina, and how is it related to heart disease symptoms?
A. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by narrowing or coronary artery blockage, reducing blood flow to the heart. It is a common symptom of an underlying heart condition, commonly coronary heart disease (CHD). Angina is a warning sign of potential heart problems triggered by exercise or stress.
Q. What other health conditions can have similar symptoms to heart disease?
A. Acid reflux, musculoskeletal issues, respiratory problems, and anxiety can have similar symptoms.
Q. When should I seek medical attention if I experience heart disease symptoms?
A. If you feel persistent or severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or any other concerning symptoms that may indicate heart disease
Reference Links-
-
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-arrhythmia/symptoms-causes/syc-20350668
- https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-symptoms
- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/gender-specific-heart-disease/
- https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/women-heart-disease#1
- https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/health/india-s-burden-of-heart-diseases-study-says-elderly-women-more-at-risk-74993
- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/heart-diseases-in-children-symptoms-and-treatment/
- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/women-heart-diseases/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/