You can’t always recognize symptoms of common heart problems. Some things you might think are related to your heart are not really problems. Other symptoms may indicate serious coronary heart disease and need immediate attention. You need to be able to distinguish between the two.
Common heart problems have many symptoms. If you are at all concerned that you are having symptoms of coronary heart disease — call your doctor. In fact, it is a good idea to let your doctor know of any symptoms you suspect might be related to your heart. By recognizing these you might prevent a heart attack!
Here are some common symptoms: Feeling exhausted without apparent reason — not being able to do a full day’s work or even finish simple chores. You might have a loss of appetite, or even nausea with a bloated stomach feeling. Finding breathing labored or difficult without exertion is another sign. All of these should be reported to your doctor.
Other common heart problem danger signals: Chest pains (especially if they ease up when you rest). Irregular heart beats or palpitations. A heart that seems to speed up or race. All of these are symptoms that indicate you should check for coronary heart disease.
If you are having any of these symptoms, or particularly if you are having multiple symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately. This is even more crucial if you are in a high risk category: smokers, excessive drinkers, substance abusers, or individuals with a genetic background of heart disease are all in a higher risk group. If you cannot reach your doctor, you should have a family member or friend drive you to the emergency room.
If you are alone, call 911. If you feel chilled or are sweating profusely; if you suddenly feel weak or have severe shortness of breath along with an accelerated heart rate, you should get to a medical facility immediately. Other severe signs are not being able to move, an unusually severe headache, fainting spells or a heavy feeling in your chest that turns into a severe pain.
Heart disease symptoms can rapidly deteriorate into a heart attack. You may feel you are not in danger, but if you are having the symptoms, call your doctor. If on the other hand, you feel you may be in danger – don’t hesitate to see if it gets better. Go to the hospital or call 911!
