Healthy Heart Lifestyle and Symptoms of Heart Disease
This article is a brief discussion of the more common symptoms of two classes of heart disease. These are cardiovascular and rheumatic heart diseases. Nothing in this article should be considered as medical advice in any way. The statements herein are intended solely for information to heighten awareness of a health problem that claims the lives of more men and women than any other disease. And, this is by no means a complete coverage of this topic.
The symptoms of heart disease seem to fall in two broad categories, cardiovascular, and rheumatic. While probably not a conclusive list, cardiovascular heart problems are typically classified in six broad categories. These include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, congenital heart disease, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
These, collectively, are classified as “CVD”, which seem to share some common symptoms. While this is a fact, we can not take much comfort in that because, the symptoms of a heart attack may be the attack itself, caused by a more serious, underlying disorder. The same can be said of a stroke.
Generally the symptoms of a heart attack can include pain or discomfort in the chest, usually the center. Other symptoms can include pain in the arms, left shoulder, elbows and numbness in the lower extremities, such as the forearm. While sharing some of these same symptoms, strokes can also include the onset of numbness in the face, or extremities, which in most cases this seems to focus on one side of the body. The onset of a stroke can also result in hearing and speaking difficulty. More severe symptoms include loss of coordination and balance, fainting or unconsciousness.
The second area is “rheumatic” which results from physical damage to the heart from Rheumatic fever brought on by strep throat. The symptoms of Rheumatic heart disease include nausea, fever, pain and vomiting.
Why is it good to consider, by way of reminders, the symptoms of heart disease? Easy. The symptoms do not always work. They are either ignored, or dismissed as caused by stress. Clearly, a better approach to avoiding heart disease, or at least managing the potential we all possess, is needed. Why? Because through better diet and changes in lifestyle, the approximately 80 percent of the premature deaths from heart disease could be avoided.
Aside from learning what these symptoms could be warning us of, it should also be understood that some of these same signs may be from maladies unrelated to the heart. The message is when such symptoms occur; they are not to be treated lightly. You should do two things. First see a doctor. Second, resolve to make necessary changes in eating and other habits to reduce your risk.
