Symptoms

Cardiovascular Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of heart disease early can save lives. This section explains the most common cardiovascular symptoms — what they might mean, and when to seek medical attention.

🚨 Key Cardiovascular Symptoms

🔹 Chest Pain or Discomfort

A classic symptom of heart disease, often described as pressure, tightness, or burning.

Possible causes:

  • Coronary artery disease (angina or heart attack)
  • Pericarditis
  • Aortic dissection (life-threatening)

Seek emergency care if pain is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or radiates to the arm, neck, or jaw.

🔹 Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Can occur at rest or during exertion. May worsen when lying down.

Possible causes:

  • Heart failure
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Valvular heart disease
  • Arrhythmias

🔹 Palpitations

A sensation of rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat.

Possible causes:

  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia
  • Anxiety, hyperthyroidism, stimulant use

Consider seeing a cardiologist if palpitations are recurrent or associated with fainting.

🔹 Fatigue and Weakness

Unusual tiredness can be a subtle but early sign of heart problems, especially in women.

Possible causes:

  • Heart failure
  • Bradycardia or arrhythmias
  • Low cardiac output from valve disease or cardiomyopathy

🔹 Swelling (Edema)

Commonly in the legs, ankles, or abdomen. May be associated with weight gain.

Possible causes:

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Venous insufficiency
  • Pulmonary hypertension

🔹 Dizziness or Fainting (Syncope)

Brief loss of consciousness or feeling light-headed.

Possible causes:

  • Arrhythmias
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Aortic stenosis
  • Neurocardiogenic syncope

🩺 When to Seek Help

  • Sudden chest pain, especially with shortness of breath or nausea
  • Fainting, especially during exertion
  • Irregular heartbeat or fast heart rate with symptoms
  • Leg swelling with breathlessness
  • Persistent fatigue or unexplained weakness

Early evaluation with an ECG, echocardiogram, or Holter monitor may be needed.

📘 Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider if you experience concerning symptoms.