Common Cardiac Symptoms

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain (angina) is a classic symptom of heart disease. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, burning, or sharp pain in the chest.

Causes:

• Heart attack: Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Angina: Reduced blood flow to the heart (coronary artery disease).
• Aortic dissection: A serious tear in the aorta.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Can mimic heart-related chest pain.

When to Seek Medical Help:

If you experience chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, call 911 immediately.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

• ECG and blood tests to check for heart attack markers.
• Coronary angiography to evaluate blocked arteries.
• Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly stent placement or bypass surgery.

2. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or while lying down, may indicate heart failure or coronary artery disease.

Causes:

• Heart failure: Fluid buildup in the lungs makes breathing difficult.
• Pulmonary hypertension: Increased pressure in lung arteries.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can reduce oxygen delivery.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

When to Seek Medical Help:

Sudden shortness of breath with chest pain, dizziness, or sweating requires immediate emergency care.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

• Chest X-ray, echocardiogram, and lung function tests.
• Diuretics, oxygen therapy, or surgical interventions in severe cases.

3. Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)

Feeling an irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat can indicate arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AFib), or anxiety.

Causes:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib): The heart beats irregularly and inefficiently.
• Ventricular arrhythmias: Can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Stress, caffeine, or dehydration.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

• Holter monitor and ECG to detect heart rhythm abnormalities.
• Beta-blockers, blood thinners, and lifestyle changes for treatment.

4. Fatigue

Persistent tiredness and lack of energy could indicate heart disease, anemia, or thyroid disorders.

Causes:

• Heart failure: The heart struggles to pump blood efficiently.
• Anemia or low iron levels.
• Sleep apnea: Can worsen heart conditions.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

• Blood tests, echocardiograms, and stress tests.
• Treatment includes dietary changes, sleep studies, and medications.

5. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Swelling in the lower limbs can signal fluid retention due to heart failure.

Causes:

• Heart failure: Fluid buildup due to inefficient heart pumping.
• Kidney disease or liver problems.

Treatment:

• Diuretics to reduce fluid retention.
• Low-sodium diet and compression stockings.

6. Lightheadedness or Fainting

Frequent dizziness or fainting can be a sign of low blood pressure, arrhythmia, or dehydration.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

• ECG, tilt table test, and hydration monitoring.
• Blood pressure management and lifestyle adjustments.

7. Nausea and Sweating

Sudden cold sweats and nausea without an obvious cause could be a silent heart attack symptom.

When to Seek Help:

Seek emergency care if accompanied by chest pain or breathlessness.