Noticing the Signs of Heart Disease

Although there are really no surefire ways to diagnose heart disease besides going in to see your doctor and having a proper examination, there are certain signs of heart disease that may be giving you a warning of such problems. It is therefore incredibly important to watch out for these signs of heart disease, so that if you do happen to notice them you can get in to see your doctor as soon as possible and get treatment, if necessary.

Signs of Heart Disease

Each different type of heart disease has its own signs and symptoms, however there are some basic signs of heart disease that are typical with all the various different types of heart disease, one in particular being angina.

Angina is best described as being a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, burning or squeezing feeling in the chest, and is often mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Agina is chest pain that occurs when your heart muscle is not getting enough blood, and besides in your chest the pain caused by it may also occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw and back.

Shortness of breath is another commonly experienced sign of heart disease, and it occurs when blood backs up in the pulmonary veins, which are the vessels that return the blood from the lungs to the heart, and as a result this causes fluid to leak into the lungs. This symptom is most commonly experienced during activity, or while sleeping, and if you experience it you will most often have difficulty breathing while lying flat and may have to prop up your upper body.

Edema, which is a build up of excess fluid in the body tissues, is another of the most common signs of heart disease, and this occurs when blood flow out of the heart slows, the blood that is returning to the heart through the veins becomes backed up, causing fluid to build up in the tissues.

Tiredness and fatigue are also common, and this happens when the body is not able to pump enough blood to be able to meet the needs of body tissues. The body then diverts blood away from what are considered as being the less vital organs, and in particular this is referring to the muscles in the limbs, and sends it to the heart and brain.

If at any time you notice any of these signs or symptoms of heart disease, you need to make an appointment to see your doctor for as soon as you possibly can, so that you can go in for a full examination and have a proper assessment and diagnosis. After all, only after you have been properly diagnosed can you really get yourself on the road to treatment.

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