Heart Disease Symptoms and Signs

There are many different types of heart disease that a person may have. Depending on the area of the heart that is affected will determine the symptoms that a person may experience. It is possible for an individual to experience multiple symptoms due to different areas of the heart being diseased. Here are some common symptoms to look for and the possible area of the heart that may be diseased.

Common Symptoms of Heart Disease Effecting the Blood Vessels in the Heart

Heart disease that affects the blood vessels within the heart is commonly referred to as cardiovascular disease. A person will often at times experience symptoms of chest pain, have shortness of breath and show signs of pain, numbness, coldness or weakness in areas of their legs and arms. This is due to the blood vessels being blocked and preventing sufficient oxygen from reaching these areas. People may also experience these symptoms in other areas of their body including their brain, neck and jaw at points where the main arteries are located.

Common Symptoms Caused by Abnormal Heartbeats

A heart that has an abnormal heartbeat has heart disease that is known as heart arrhythmias. People who have this type of heart disease have a heart that may beat too fast, too slow or at irregular rates. Physical symptoms to look for if this is a concern includes an atrial flutter, chest pain, rapid heartbeat rate or tachycardia, a slow heartbeat rate or Bradycardia, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or feeling of near fainting and shortness of breath.

Common Symptoms Caused by Heart Defects

Some heart disease is caused by defects within the organ that occur before a baby is even born. However, these heart defects can sometimes last for years without ever being detected. People that have this type of heart disease often have a pale gray or blue skin coloring that is known as cyanosis. Areas of the body including the legs, abdomen and areas located around the eyes often show signs of swelling in some cases of heart defects. Babies will display shortness of breath during their feedings, causing them to experience poor weight gain rates.

For older children and adults that may be concerned about having heart disease that is caused by a birth defect in the heart should monitor periods in which they become easily tired during routine exercise or physical activities. This may begin as shortness of breath during these activities without overexertion. Noticeable signs of fluid buildup in the heart and lungs or swelling in the hands, feet and ankles are other signs that should be of concern.

Common Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is the thickening of the heart muscle. Individuals may notice symptoms that include:

* Shortness of breath during exertion, as well as during restful periods
* Swelling and water retention in the ankles, feet and legs
* Abdominal bloating
* Dizziness, fainting or lightheadedness
* Fatigue
* Irregular heartbeat rates that can feel as though the chest is pounding or fluttering

Common Symptoms of Heart Infections

There are three common types of heart infections that a person can experience. This includes:

* Pericarditis, which is an infection in the tissue that surrounds the heart
* Myocarditis, which is an infection in the muscles that make up the middle layer of the heart walls
* Endocarditic, which is an infection in the inner membrane that provides the separation of the different valves and chambers within the heart?

Common symptoms that are often experienced when a person suffers from a heart infection include:

* Swelling and fluid retention in the abdomen and legs
* feelings of weakness and fatigue
* noticeable change in the heart beat rhythm
* a dry or persistent cough
* fever
* visible spots that are not normal or skin rashes

Common Symptoms of Heart Disease that Effects the Valves

Individuals that suffer from valvular heart disease may notice signs such as:

* Fatigue
* Pain in the chest
* Syncope or fainting
* An irregular heartbeat or murmur within the heart
* Shortness of breath
* Swelling in the feet and ankles

If you experience signs of heart disease, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor or medical care provider immediately. Only one or two symptoms may be present or you may suffer from various symptoms. However, the result for not seeking immediate treatment can be fatal.