Early Signs of Heart Disease Essay (Article) by Dr. Srinath and Dr. Senthil
Heart disease is one of the world’s leading causes of death, a considerable proportion of which are due to severe forms of the disease, which have their own early warning signals and symptoms leading to the full-scale development of the disease. The timely localization and treatment of the initial signs reliably prevent the development of a heart attack, serious dysfunction, or the need for surgery.
Thus,
Dr. Srinath and Dr. Senthil in this article will discuss the early signs of heart disease and who to contact in the case of their occurrence.
What Is Heart Disease?
The term heart disease is a collective name for a large number of cardiovascular diseases associated with various heart conditions. Coronary artery disease, valve malfunction, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and congenital defects are the most common forms of heart disease. Fortunately, most of these conditions are curable, provided that they are detected and treated promptly enough.
Early Signs of Heart Disease
Heart palpitations or pressure in the chest
One of the first signs of heart disease is discomfort or pain behind the sternum, which often radiates to the shoulders or arms. This happens because of the insufficient supply of blood to the heart muscles, which causes their spasms, squeezing, or burning behind the sternum. Moreover, discomfort behind the sternum often causes heartburn when lying down or after eating, or pressure behind the sternum when under stress or physical activity. Of course, this does not mean that discomfort behind the sternum is not caused by heart problems when a person is in a sitting or standing position. Nevertheless, in any case, a person should contact a doctor with periodic discomfort or severe pain behind the sternum as these symptoms indicate the beginning of a heart attack.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is also a symptom of heart disease because the reduced ability of the heart to pump blood results in decreased oxygen saturation of tissues and cells. Thus, a person may feel that he needs more air than before, even when walking or standing, which is a sign of a severe form of the disease.
Fatigue or tiredness
Fatigue is a normal concomitant of the aging process because the body’s energy resources are replenished less actively. In addition, fatigue is also a symptom of many types of heart disease. However, if a person begins to tire faster than before without any significant physical activity, this is a reason to visit a doctor because prolonged fatigue without a clearly defined cause can be an indirect sign of heart disease, especially if the person has the symptoms described above.
Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
In addition, heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat can also be an early symptom of heart disease. For example, irregular heartbeats due to unknown reasons can damage the heart, provoking various dysfunctions. The palpitations, which are characteristic of this symptom, are temporary, so no specific treatment is required if they are rarely manifested. However, if the irregularities of the heartbeat are frequent enough, then it is necessary to contact a cardiologist to find out the reasons for their occurrence.
Swelling in the legs or ankles
Edema of the lower limbs is another sign of heart disease because an irregular heartbeat increases fluid retention. This manifestation is known as right ventricular failure; it occurs due to the inability of the right ventricle of the heart to pump the necessary amount of blood. One of the first signs of this disease is leg or ankle swelling as a result of fluid retention.
Dizziness/lightheadedness or fainting
In addition, dizziness and fainting are also dangerous symptoms of heart disease, especially if they are accompanied by irregularities of the heartbeat. In other words, if a person faints suddenly for no apparent reason, this is most likely due to some heart problem. Moreover, the sudden change in the state can last from seconds to a few minutes due to an irregular heartbeat.
Pain in other parts of the body
In addition to discomfort behind the sternum, heart palpitations are often accompanied by other symptoms of heart disease, such as discomfort or pain behind the sternum when bending over. In addition, heart palpitations can cause discomfort or pain behind the shoulders, neck, or upper left abdomen. Moreover, heart palpitations can also cause discomfort or pain behind the upper left abdominal or back area.
Who Is at Risk for Heart Disease?
The first heart attack often comes as a surprise to the patient because he did not notice any signs or symptoms previously. However, there are several known risk factors for developing heart disease. They include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, tobacco use, lack of physical activity, a family history of heart disease, stress, and aging.
Heart Disease: When to See a Heart Doctor?
In most cases, a family doctor or general practitioner is the first medical professional to suspect heart disease in the early stages and prescribe the appropriate therapy. However, if a person’s symptoms are complex or require specialized evaluation, cardiologists and heart surgeons should be involved. In particular, it is time to visit a heart doctor in the case of discomfort or pain behind the sternum lasting about 1-2 minutes, or periodic discomfort or pain behind the sternum. In addition, a heart doctor must be visited in case of uncomfortable breathing or lightheadedness, discomfort or pain behind the sternum radiating to the arms, neck, or back behind the sternum, cold sweat, vomiting, or weakness. A cardiologist will regulate the irregular heartbeat, prescribe a course of therapy to control all chronic manifestations of the disease. Moreover, a heart specialist’s emergency intervention is needed to relieve discomfort and save the heart muscle in the case of a heart attack. In other words, it is necessary to call an ambulance or visit a doctor at the first signs of a heart attack: discomfort or pressure behind the sternum, uncomfortable breathing, discomfort or pain radiating from the sternum to the arms, back, or neck.
How Can Heart Disease Be Prevented?
A heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are three basic pillars of the prevention of heart disease. Moreover, it is important to optimize the sleep regimen and balance work and rest so as not to experience prolonged stress. This can be done, for example, with regular meditation or sports. In addition, doctors recommend regular tests and check-ups so as to detect any disease at an early stage. Finally, but no less importantly, it is necessary to give up harmful habits such as alcoholism or smoking.
