Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death across the United States for all genders, races and ethnic groups. It’s a common condition affecting more than 18 million adults, but it’s also something people can significantly reduce their chances of with lifestyle modifications. February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to learn the signs and symptoms of heart disease and prevent it.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a broad term used to define several heart conditions. The most common is coronary artery disease caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. Other common disorders include heart rhythm problems, heart valve disease and heart infection. If left untreated, heart disease can lead to severe complications like heart failure, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm or sudden cardiac arrest.

Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are some of the main risk factors for developing heart disease. Heart conditions also tend to be more common in those with diabetes, who excessively drink alcohol, experience high levels of stress, or have a family history of heart disease.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

Since there are many types of heart disease, symptoms can vary depending on the condition. In most cases, blockage or narrowing of blood vessels causes heart diseases leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in the upper abdomen or back. You may also experience pain or numbness in your legs or arms, depending on which blood vessels have been blocked or narrowed.

Additional heart disease symptoms if you’re suffering from a heart valve problem include fatigue, irregular heartbeat, swollen ankles or fainting. If you have a heart infection, you may develop a fever, swelling in the abdomen, changes in your heart rhythm, skin rashes or a dry cough.

If you’re experiencing unmanageable heart disease signs or think you may be having a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately.

Preventing Heart Disease

Heart disease may be common, but you can significantly lower your chances of developing heart disease with a few lifestyle moderations.

Exercise regularly. Regularly exercise at least 30 minutes helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is vital for keeping a healthy heart. Your workout doesn’t have to be intense, but it should get your heart rate up. You can talk a brisk walk, cycle, swim or hike. Whatever physical activity you choose, stick to a routine and inform your doctor of any significant physical activity changes to prevent injuries.
Maintain a healthy diet. Eating lots of foods high in salt and saturated fat raises your blood cholesterol and increases your chances of heart-related diseases. Try to incorporate more fresh produce and lean meats into your meals. If you eat packaged food, look for options with low salt, low fat and low sodium.
Limit unhealthy lifestyle choices. Excessive alcohol use and smoking are two of the main contributors to heart disease and many other health-related concerns. Unfortunately, both substances can be addictive, making it hard to quit on your own. If you’re struggling to stop drinking or smoking, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Manage your stress. High levels of stress can cause severe body strain and tend to occur around significant life changes such as retirement or losing a loved one. It would help if you practiced ways to manage your stress, such as medication or exercise. Some stress is normal, but if your stress interferes with your daily activities, talk to your doctor about lowering it.
Attend your doctor’s appointments. Every time you visit your doctor, you’re creating a record of your health to help your doctor identify potential risks or diseases. You should at least attend annual doctor’s visits, but if your doctor suggests a follow-up or more frequent appointments, be sure to participate in those. It’s also important to share any concerns or complications, even if you don’t think they’re a big deal. The sooner you can address a concern, the quicker your doctor can resolve it, and the less likely it’ll develop into a more severe problem.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

If you or a loved one live with heart disease and need assistance, the Visiting Angels Mobile team is happy to help. Our compassionated caregivers can help with medication reminders, healthy meal preparations, transportation to doctor’s appointments and more. Our Mobile office serves those in Mobile and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can schedule a free consultation by calling us at 251.345.4100.