Effects of a cardiac condition: When should you get help?
Heart problems do not always come with clear warning signs. So how do you know when you have heart disease? Image via Unsplash
Your general health is strongly impacted by heart disease.
Coronary artery disease, or narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, is the most prevalent kind of heart disease and can cause chest discomfort, heart attacks, or strokes. Congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, congenital heart disease (heart illness present at birth), and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's inner layer), generally known as cardiovascular disease, are further heart conditions.
WHAT CAUSES HEART DISEASE?
Plaque builds up in the arteries and blood vessels that supply the heart, causing heart disease. It can be brought on by any of the following factors and prevents vital nutrients and oxygen from getting to the heart:
- Blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides
- Insulin resistance or diabetes
- Clinical depression
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Heart problems do not always come with clear warning signs; however, the symptoms may include:
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain
- Pain that spreads to the arm
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Throat or jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Snoring
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating
- Coughing
- Swollen legs, feet, and ankles
- Irregular heartbeat
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?
Complications of heart diseaes include:
- Heart failure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Peripheral artery disease
- Sudden cardiac arrest
HOW TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN LIVING WITH HEART DISEASE
- Keep your blood pressure within a healthy range.
- Check for changes in your fluid status by weighing yourself daily and checking for swelling.
- Maintain fluid balance. The more liquid you carry in your blood vessels, the harder your heart must work to pump excess fluid through your body.
- Limit your salt (sodium) intake.
- Take your medications as prescribed.
WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR
If you believe you are exhibiting any signs or symptoms, speak with your doctor. Obtain immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs:
- Chest pain
- Fainting or severe weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat with shortness of breath
- Coughing up white or pink, foamy mucus
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