Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 17 million deaths per year. The most common symptom of CVD is chest pain or discomfort, medically known as angina. Let’s take a closer look at the top signs and symptoms of CVD.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest pain or discomfort is by far the most common early warning sign of CVD. Referred to medically as angina, chest pain occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced. This causes the heart muscle to become starved for oxygen. There are a few types of angina:
- Stable angina – Predictable chest pain that occurs with activity or stress and goes away with rest
- Unstable angina – Unpredictable chest pain that occurs even at rest
- Variant (Prinzmetal’s) angina – Caused by artery spasms, pain can occur even at rest
Angina pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or discomfort in the center chest. It can also radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. While stable angina is not immediately dangerous, unstable angina requires prompt medical attention and can signal an impending heart attack.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, is another common symptom of CVD. Difficulty breathing or windedness with minimal exertion may indicate inadequate blood flow to the heart and lungs.
Some underlying causes include:
- Heart failure – When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs
- Heart valve disease – Improper functioning valves cause blood to back up in the heart
- Arrhythmia – Irregular heart rhythms disrupt proper blood flow
- Heart attack – Loss of blood flow to the heart
In addition to occurring at rest, shortness of breath may come on during routine activities like climbing stairs, walking, or housework. Seeking prompt treatment for unexplained breathing difficulties is crucial.
Swelling in the Extremities
Swelling, or edema, in the legs, feet, ankles, and sometimes arms can indicate CVD. This is often a sign of congestive heart failure, where fluid backs up into the extremities due to poor pumping function of the heart.
Swelling results when the weakened heart allows blood to pool in the veins, preventing proper return of blood to the heart. The added pressure forces fluid out of the veins and into the tissues. Lying down for extended periods and high sodium intake can worsen the swelling.
Fatigue or Weakness
Unexplained tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy may point to an underlying problem with heart function. Several heart conditions can leave you feeling run down, including:
- Heart failure – Results in fatigue from poor blood circulation
- Heart valve disorders – Leaky or narrow valves reduce blood flow
- Arrhythmias – Abnormal heart rhythms cause low energy
- Heart attack – Impairs the heart’s pumping ability
Feeling unusually drained with everyday activities like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or walking short distances warrants medical attention. For those with known CVD, worsening fatigue can signal disease progression.
Dizziness or Fainting
Spells of lightheadedness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness are common indicators of cardiovascular troubles. Decreased blood flow to the brain is often the culprit behind these dizzy spells and fainting (syncope).
Possible causes include:
- Arrhythmia – Irregular heart rhythms disrupt blood flow
- Heart valve disorders – Leaky valves impair blood circulation
- Congenital heart defects – Abnormalities present since birth
- Heart attack – Critically reduces blood to the brain
Dizziness when standing up suddenly or after prolonged standing is also linked to blood pressure dysregulation from cardiovascular disease. Fainting requires prompt medical care to check for any serious underlying disorders.
Nausea or Loss of Appetite
Feelings of nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss can accompany CVD. For example, heart failure may cause gastrointestinal distress and lack of appetite from congestion in intestinal veins.
Nausea after eating may also stem from reduced blood flow to the major organs. Heart attack, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias can trigger these types of digestive disturbances.
Unusual Fatigue with Exertion
Becoming excessively tired or winded with minimal physical activity is not normal. This exaggerated fatigue with exercise is one of the hallmark symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
The medical term for this is dyspnea on exertion. The underlying cause is typically inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles and organs during activity. Even small efforts like walking, yardwork, or climbing a flight of stairs can bring on weakness and weariness.
CAD, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, or lung problems secondary to heart disease are often to blame. Seeking prompt medical care for unexplained fatigue with exertion is crucial.
Conclusion
Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and early tiring are among the most common clues that cardiovascular disease may be present. While these symptoms can mimic other conditions at times, they should never be ignored. Prompt evaluation and treatment are key, as CVD is the number one cause of death worldwide.
If you experience any concerning symptoms, see your doctor right away. Early detection and management are vital for improving outcomes in cardiovascular disease.