Heart disease early indicators: Symptoms elaborated
In the realm of heart health, it's crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate heart disease, especially for women. While some symptoms are common across both genders, women often experience heart disease in ways that can be more subtle and diverse.
Heart disease, a group of conditions affecting the cardiovascular system, can manifest through various symptoms. Shortness of breath, for instance, can be a symptom of cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE), a condition caused by heart conditions such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), congestive heart failure, left-sided heart valve disease, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy.
One key difference between male and female heart disease symptoms lies in the early signs. Women frequently experience unusual fatigue, especially when it is new, overwhelming, or not relieved by rest. Shortness of breath, including during light activity or at rest, sometimes worsening when lying down, is also common. Mild chest discomfort, which may feel like tightness, burning, or pressure rather than sharp pain, can radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, or back.
Jaw pain or discomfort that is not related to dental issues and may worsen with exertion, back pain particularly between the shoulder blades or upper back, that feels deep and pressure-like, often triggered by physical or emotional stress, and nausea and cold sweats are other symptoms women may experience. Persistent coughing, especially at night or when lying flat, can also be a sign, sometimes linked to fluid buildup from heart failure.
These symptoms can easily be mistaken for less serious conditions, making recognition and early diagnosis crucial to preventing complications. Research from the British Heart Foundation suggests that women may be 50% more likely than men to receive an incorrect diagnosis following a heart attack.
Chest pain or discomfort, upper body pain, dizziness and lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and swelling in lower body areas such as the legs, ankles, and feet can also be symptoms of heart disease. Swelling can occur due to heart diseases making it difficult for the heart to pump blood and the kidneys to eliminate excess sodium and water.
Dizziness and lightheadedness can be symptoms of arrhythmias and heart attacks. Heart valve disease and arrhythmias can also cause swelling in lower body areas.
It's important to note that while women may be more likely to experience heart disease without the classic chest pain, they can still have chest pain or discomfort during a heart attack or angina. Upper body pain, such as in the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms (especially the left), back, and stomach, can occur during these conditions.
In summary, early signs of heart disease in women tend to be more diverse and subtle, including fatigue, breathlessness, mild chest discomfort, jaw or back pain, and other non-chest symptoms that require careful attention. Recognising these symptoms can help in early diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing complications. Always consult a healthcare professional if you experience any unusual symptoms or concerns.
- Women experiencing heart disease might exhibit uncommon fatigue, especially when it is new, overwhelming, or not relieved by rest.
- Shortness of breath during light activity or at rest, worsening when lying down, is another common symptom in females with heart disease.
- Mild chest discomfort like tightness, burning, or pressure can be experienced by a person with heart disease and can radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, or back.
- Jaw pain or discomfort unrelated to dental issues, back pain particularly between the shoulder blades or upper back that feels deep and pressure-like, and nausea and cold sweats are additional symptoms women may encounter.
- Persistent coughing, especially at night or when lying flat, can be a sign of heart disease in women, sometimes linked to fluid buildup from heart failure.
