Each of the different heart disease conditions has its own set of symptoms, though there is some overlap among them. However, it is important to note that in some cases a person with heart disease may experience no obvious symptoms. That is why it is important to have regular examinations by a physician, especially if you have any of the risk factors for heart disease such as a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, smoking, or diabetes mellitus.
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease is a narrowing of the arteries that feed the heart. While it may cause no obvious symptoms, it may also lead to angina and sometimes to heart attack.
When the coronary arteries are partially blocked by the plaques of atherosclerosis, the heart cannot nourish itself well enough when it is working hard. The result is angina, pain in the chest often described as heaviness, pressure, aching, or burning that may be brought on by stress or physical activity. The pain may also radiate into the shoulders, neck, or arms.
Other symptoms that can occur with coronary artery disease include:
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is “skipping a beat”)
- A faster heartbeat
- Weakness or dizziness
- Nausea
- Sweating
When there is a near complete blockage of one of the coronary arteries, the heart muscle tissue that normally receives oxygen and nutrients from that artery begins to die. When the coronary arteries are narrowed due to atherosclerosis, all it takes is a small clot that forms spontaneously on the wall of the vessel, or a small clot from elsewhere in the body that breaks free and lodges in the already narrowed artery, to stop blood flow completely. The result is a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Symptoms of heart attack often include:
- Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest or below the breastbone
- Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat or arm (especially the left arm)
- Fullness, indigestion or choking feeling
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness
- Extreme weakness or anxiety
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
Symptoms usually last for half an hour or longer and may become progressively worse over time. If you have these symptoms, it is a medical emergency and you need to CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait to see if you feel better, because the longer you wait before receiving treatment, the more damage may be done to your heart and the greater your risk of death or permanent disability.
Heart failure
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to the body to sustain the tissues. It can be caused by anything that weakens the heart muscle. Some common causes include: chronic high blood pressure, previous myocardial infarction, heart valve disease, and cardiomyopathy.
The symptoms of heart failure may include:
- Shortness of breath during activity or at rest, especially when you lie down flat in bed
- Rapid weight gain
- Cough that produces white mucus
- Swelling (edema) in ankles, legs and abdomen
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Nausea, palpitations, or chest pain
If the left side of the heart is primarily affected, blood may pool in the lungs causing fluid to build up in the air spaces which makes breathing difficult. If the right side of the heart is primarily affected, blood may pool in the legs and lead to fluid buildup in the feet and ankles called edema. When both sides are affected, both types of symptoms may occur.
Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat and can be caused by several factors, including congenital heart abnormalities, previous myocardial infarction, damage to heart tissue, and an electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms of arrhythmias may include:
- Pounding in your chest
- Heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is “skipping a beat”)
- Dizziness or feeling light-headed
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Weakness or extreme fatigue