Originally published: 25.OCT.2022
Last updated: 28.FEB.2024
Medically reviewed by Zara Fullerton, Senior Medical Content Manager
Heart disease is an umbrella term used to describe the spectrum of conditions that can affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. As the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide, recognizing the unique set of symptoms and signs of each heart condition is crucial for early detection and management.
While you would be right to associate chest pain or shortness of breath with an indicator of heart problems*, these aren’t the only signs to look out for. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of heart disease for each condition. Please note that this list is not a substitute for medical advice and you should consult with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms or have any concerns.
- If you suspect the symptoms of a heart attack, contact emergency services immediately.
See also: What is Heart Disease: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
There are several types of heart disease, each of which is associated with its unique symptoms and indicators.
Coronary heart disease or Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease with around 1 in 20 adults age 20 and older living with CAD in the United States alone according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [1].
Symptoms of coronary heart disease include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Breathlessness
- Heart attacks
- Heart failure
Congenital heart defects
Congenital heart defects are a form of heart disease that’s present at birth - it can affect the overall structure of the heart and its function.
Symptoms of congenital heart defects include:
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia refers to problems with the heart's rhythm - the heart either beats too quickly or too slowly in an irregular way.
Symptoms of arrhythmia include:
- Fatigue and/or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, this disease makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body.
Symptoms of cardiomyopathy include:
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen and/or neck
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
Heart infection
Sometimes referred to as endocarditis, heart infection is an infection in the lining of the heart, often caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Symptoms of heart infection include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dry or persistent cough
Valvular heart disease
Valvular heart disease, or heart valve disease, is damage to any of the four valves in the heart.
Symptoms of valvular heart disease include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Swollen ankles, feet, or abdomen
What are the signs of a heart attack?
According to the CDC, heart attacks occur when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly interrupted - coronary artery disease (CAD), a common type of heart disease, is one of the leading causes [2].
While some heart attacks can occur quite suddenly and bring with them intense symptoms, the American Heart Association reports that some can begin slowly and show certain warning signs [3]. These warning signs include:
- Chest discomfort
- Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
It’s important to note that symptoms may vary based on sex - for example, women are more likely to experience unexplained tiredness, nausea, or vomiting [4].
If you suspect the symptoms of a heart attack, contact emergency services immediately.
What are the signs of heart failure?
Coronary heart disease, congenital heart defects, and heart arrhythmias are all forms of heart disease that are associated with heart failure.
Heart failure occurs when your heart muscle isn’t pumping blood as well as it should.
Signs and symptoms of heart failure include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Difficulty with physical activity
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of heart disease, heart attack, or heart failure, it’s important to get in touch with emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of heart disease, heart attack, or heart failure, it’s important to get in touch with a doctor and/or emergency services.
How do you know if your heart is healthy?
One of the most reliable ways to check in on your heart health is to arrange a consultation with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing. These tests may include measuring your blood pressure, blood tests, or an x-ray.
Other heart-specific health tests can include:
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- Treadmill or exercise test
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Coronary angiogram
If you are curious about your heart health, don’t hesitate to contact a medical professional who can offer a helping hand.
Letsgetchecked offers many tests related to conditions that can increase the risk of heart disease including cholesterol, diabetes, and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP).
Online results will be available within 2-5 days and our dedicated medical team will be available to help every step of the way. Talk to your healthcare provider about the most suitable tests for you.
Check out our Heart Health knowledge hub for the insights you need to stay on top of your heart health.
References
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Facts. Online: Cdc.gov, 2020
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery. Online: Cdc.gov, 2020
- American Heart Association. Heart Attack. Online: Heart.org, 2020
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery. Online: Cdc.gov, 2020
