Understanding Heart Disease: Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention

February, designated American Heart Month, provides an opportunity to address the complexities of heart disease, a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. This post is part of a series addressing some of these issues this month, including what encompasses heart disease, including high blood pressure and heart attacks. And how anyone who has a heart is susceptible to heart disease, no matter their age or gender.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with various forms of heart disease is pivotal in facilitating early detection, intervention, and effective management strategies.

High Blood Pressure: The Silent Menace

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has the moniker of the "silent killer" due to its insidious nature. Unlike overt symptoms that may prompt immediate attention, hypertension typically progresses without noticeable warning signs. Individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure are at an elevated risk of developing severe complications, including additional forms of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Regular blood pressure monitoring at home and during routine medical examinations is essential for early detection and intervention. Healthcare providers typically recommend blood pressure screenings at least once every two years for adults with normal readings and more frequently for those with elevated levels or additional risk factors.

We can have high blood pressure during acute stress, but the longer the blood pressure is elevated, the more damage is done. I have often had people blow off their elevated numbers, making excuses that they have a cold (some medications can increase blood pressure), rushing just before the reading was taken, or some other reason to explain it away. This is serious – and to ignore it isn’t a good idea. Because there are no overt symptoms, if you are told your blood pressure is elevated, get serious about it now and address it.

Coronary Artery Disease: The Plaque Predicament

Coronary artery disease (CAD) arises from the gradual accumulation of plaque within the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This buildup, known as atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and impedes blood flow, leading to various symptoms and complications.

While chest pain, or angina, represents a classic manifestation of CAD, not all individuals experience these symptoms. Other potential indicators include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or jaw. Diagnostic tests, such as stress tests, cardiac catheterization, and coronary angiography, play a pivotal role in confirming the presence and severity of CAD, guiding treatment decisions, and mitigating associated risks. Talk to your healthcare provider when you have checkups about whether you should get some of these screenings – and don’t ignore things because you don’t want to know.

Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms

A heart attack, medically termed a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart is abruptly interrupted, typically due to a blood clot.

Prompt recognition of heart attack symptoms is critical, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes and minimize cardiac damage.

While chest pain remains a hallmark symptom for many individuals, particularly men, others may experience atypical or less pronounced symptoms. These may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, profound fatigue, and unexplained anxiety. Notably, women are more likely than men to present with atypical symptoms, emphasizing the importance of heightened awareness and tailored approaches to symptom recognition and management.

If you ever feel “out of sorts” or feel something is not quite right – don’t ignore this! It is better to overreact than to not react.

Increasing Awareness

Knowing the signs and symptoms (of the lack of symptoms) of heart disease is critical to empowering you to prioritize heart health and pursue proactive healthcare engagement.

Get regular blood pressure monitoring, embrace heart-healthy lifestyle modifications, and promptly address concerning symptoms. Doing this can mitigate your risk of heart disease and its associated complications.

I am among many people in our collective efforts in education, prevention, and early intervention to help reduce the burden of heart disease and promote cardiovascular wellness across diverse populations.

Don’t ignore your risk – take action and be proactive.