Recognizing the Symptoms of Heart Disease: Early Detection Can Save Lives
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Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17.9 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases, which include heart disease and stroke. In Indonesia and many other countries, heart disease ranks among the top causes of mortality.
Early detection is one of the most effective ways to prevent heart disease from becoming severe or fatal. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the early signs or mistake them for other conditions such as fatigue or indigestion. This article highlights some of the most common symptoms of heart disease that everyone should be aware of.
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort (Angina)
Chest pain is perhaps the most recognized symptom of heart disease, particularly coronary artery disease. The pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or tightness in the center of the chest. It may come and go, or persist for several minutes.
It’s important to note that not all chest pain is related to the heart. Muscular issues, rib injuries, or gastrointestinal problems can also cause discomfort. However, chest pain that occurs with shortness of breath, cold sweats, or pain radiating to the left arm should be taken seriously—it could be a sign of a heart attack.
2. Shortness of Breath
Many people with heart problems experience difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or while lying down. This occurs because the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently, leading to reduced oxygen distribution throughout the body.
Shortness of breath when lying flat, known as orthopnea, may indicate heart failure. In such cases, fluid may build up in the lungs, causing a feeling of suffocation during sleep or rest.
3. Unusual Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time, especially without a clear cause, can be a warning sign of heart disease. The heart’s inability to pump blood effectively results in decreased energy delivery to the body’s tissues.
Fatigue related to heart disease often persists even after rest or sleep. If you find yourself easily exhausted by everyday activities, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional.
4. Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
An irregular heartbeat, or palpitations, can feel like your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating too fast or too slow. This may be a sign of arrhythmia—a disorder that affects the heart’s electrical system.
While occasional palpitations may be caused by stress, caffeine, or lack of sleep, persistent irregular rhythms, especially when accompanied by dizziness or fainting, should be evaluated by a doctor.
5. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Swelling (edema) in the lower extremities can occur when the heart cannot circulate blood effectively. This leads to fluid retention in the tissues of the legs, ankles, and sometimes the abdomen.
Although edema may also be related to kidney or liver problems, in the context of heart disease—particularly heart failure—it is a common and concerning symptom.
6. Dizziness or Fainting
Heart problems can reduce blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting spells. This is often due to an abnormal heart rhythm or significantly low blood pressure from poor heart function.
Frequent fainting or unexplained dizziness should not be ignored and may warrant immediate medical evaluation.
7. Nausea, Vomiting, or Indigestion
Sometimes, heart disease presents itself through gastrointestinal symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort may precede or accompany a heart attack, especially in women.
These symptoms are often mistaken for digestive issues such as acid reflux or gastritis. However, when they occur in conjunction with chest pain or shortness of breath, they should raise red flags.
8. Cold Sweats
Breaking out in a cold sweat without physical exertion or exposure to heat can signal a serious cardiac event. It is the body’s stress response to the reduced blood flow and oxygen caused by a heart problem.
Cold sweats are commonly reported by individuals experiencing heart attacks, particularly when combined with other symptoms like chest pain or nausea.
9. Pain in Other Parts of the Body
Heart-related pain doesn’t always localize to the chest. It can radiate to other areas such as the arms (especially the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or even the upper stomach. This is because nerves connected to the heart also signal pain to these regions.
In women, heart attack symptoms may present more subtly, such as pain in the back or jaw, or fatigue without any chest pain. Understanding these variations is essential.
When to See a Doctor
If you or someone around you experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can significantly improve the outcome.
You should be especially cautious if you have the following risk factors:
- Family history of heart disease
- Smoking
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Chronic stress
Routine health check-ups and a heart-healthy lifestyle are the best ways to stay ahead of potential issues.