Heart disease is the number one cause of death globally, and despite immense advancements in treatment, millions get diagnosed with it each year. While heart disease is not reversible, and is fairly progressive, it is entirely preventable and manageable (if detected early). Dr Evan Levine, a board certified cardiologist in US, lists out few tell-tale signs of heart disease that no one should ignore, even if they are otherwise ‘healthy.’Chest pressure and shortness of breathDr. Levine identifies chest pressure as a primary indicator, which people experience when they have coronary artery disease. People who have coronary artery disease experience chest pressure which they describe as tightness, heaviness, squeezing, or pressing sensation in their chest region, mostly described as “an elephant sitting on the chest.” According to Dr Levine, it could occur anytime, such as ‘walking, shoveling, or even at rest.’ Dr. Levine states that heart muscle blood flow reduction produces this chest pressure, which requires immediate medical attention. This pressure, says Dr Levine, can even radiate to the arms, shoulder, and jaw. Even though it is more common in the left side of the body, Dr Levine says it “can occur in both arms.”
Shortness of breathAnother symptom that patients with coronary artery disease experience is shortness of breath (different from chest pressure). This occurs, because the heart requires oxygen-rich blood to function properly, but narrowed arteries in CAD patients restrict blood flow, which results in breathing difficulties, during physical activity. Dr. Levine explains that CAD can cause shortness of breath, even when chest pain is absent, particularly among patients who have high blood pressure or diabetes.Fatigue, nausea, and heartburn in womenDr. Levine explains that women with coronary artery disease tend to experience slightly different symptoms than men do. Women with coronary artery disease experience different symptoms than men because they develop atypical signs, which includes fatigue and nausea and heartburn symptoms. The symptoms often lead doctors to miss the correct diagnosis, because they resemble other less severe medical conditions.
Women who have coronary artery disease experience fatigue which causes them to feel extremely tired or exhausted, after doing minimal physical work. This occurs because heart muscle fails to receive sufficient blood flow, which produces nausea and heartburn symptoms that resemble gastrointestinal problems. Dr. Levine warns women to seek medical help when they experience consistent heartburn symptoms, because these could indicate CAD, when combined with other warning signs or risk factors.Why awareness mattersDr. Levine emphasises that prompt identification of these symptoms becomes essential because coronary artery disease advances without noticeable symptoms, until it results in heart attack or heart failure. Women and other patients need to understand all possible heart disease symptoms because they do not always experience the typical chest pain symptoms.People who experience unexplained chest pressure, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue, nausea or heartburn, should immediately visit a doctor for medical evaluation. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions, leads to better patient results and helps prevent dangerous heart-related complications.Prevention of Heart DiseaseThe development of coronary artery disease results from plaque accumulation in arteries, which stems from unhealthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Levine and other heart health experts, provide multiple essential methods which help people prevent heart disease. They are:Healthy dietA heart-healthy diet serves as the base for all heart health initiatives. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins helps people lower their cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation in their bodies. The Mediterranean diet and DASH diet, serve as two evidence-based eating plans, which focus on plant-based foods and olive oil as their main components. People should restrict their consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, excessive sugar and salt, because these substances raise blood pressure and damage arteries.ExercisePhysical exercise at least 150 minutes per week through moderate activities like walking, swimming or cycling helps build heart strength and improves blood flow, while maintaining weight at a healthy level. Regular exercise helps people lower their risk for developing high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, which are all factors that increase the risk of coronary artery disease.Quitting smokingQuitting smoking stands as the most important step, because tobacco consumption causes blood vessel damage and accelerates plaque formation. The exposure to secondhand smoke, creates an increased risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. Heart health benefits from stress management through relaxation methods, proper sleep and social connections, because these practices help control dangerous hormones that affect the heart.Regular check upsRegular health screenings help doctors track blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, to identify potential health issues before they become serious. Doctors will prescribe medication to control risk factors when necessary to stop disease advancement. The implementation of these prevention methods leads to significant health benefits. As Dr Levine says, “No one should die of a heart attack”, hence it is important to take precautions beforehand.Dr. Levine explains that regular small changes in lifestyle will help people lower their risk of coronary artery disease while creating better health outcomes and longer life expectancy.Key takeaways
- • Chest pressure or tightness stands as a primary dangerous indicator, which people experience when they have coronary artery disease.
- • Shortness of breath which occurs during physical activity, should be considered as an essential warning indicator for heart disease.
- • Women tend to experience fatigue, nausea and heartburn symptoms instead of traditional chest pain, when their hearts are under stress.
- • Any unusual body sensation requires immediate medical evaluation because it might indicate heart disease.
- • Preventing heart disease requires people to eat healthily while exercising regularly, quitting smoking, controlling their stress levels and scheduling routine medical check-ups.
First Appeared on
Source link
