Keeping your body healthy and your stress low is the best way to care for your heart. But managing risk factors, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking appropriate medical care are all crucial for preventing and managing heart conditions effectively.
Heart problems often send both men and women to the emergency room. However, if you understand the symptoms of common heart troubles, you can take steps to prevent them. The following five conditions are particularly prevalent in the U.S., and they all contribute significantly to heart disease and other health complications.
The Five Most Common Heart Problems in the U.S.
1: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
CAD is the most common type of heart disease in the U.S. It affects the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries it narrows them and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. This is called atherosclerosis and can lead to chest pain, heart attack, or other complications.
2: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure is a widespread condition that increases the workload on the heart and blood vessels, raising the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hypertension can develop due to a combination of genetic factors or lifestyle choices. Stress and certain medical conditions like kidney disease or thyroid disorders can also play a role in developing hypertension.
3: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, leading to fluid buildup (congestion) in the lungs and other tissues. It often happens when the heart muscle becomes weakened or stiff.
4: Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia, or an abnormal heart rhythm, is a condition that can range from harmless to life-threatening. It affects the heart’s electrical system, and can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Arrhythmias can be dangerous if their disruption of your heart’s normal beating pattern leads to inefficient pumping of blood. Serious complications such as fainting, stroke, or even sudden cardiac arrest may occur.
5: Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease involves problems with one or more of the heart’s valves. It can result from conditions such as aging, infections, or congenital heart defects.
Signs of Heart Problems
Everyone experiences different symptoms of heart troubles. Most people describe a sensation of chest pain or discomfort that may radiate to their arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back. Chest pain is often accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. Additional manifestations may include palpitations, swelling in the legs, or cold sweats. Some people may lose consciousness. Keep in mind that women often experience different symptoms from men.
Symptoms of heart problems include:
- Angina (chest pain)
- Trouble breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Unusual or sudden fatigue
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Cold sweats
- Nausea, lack of appetite, or vomiting
- Pain in the jaw, throat, or shoulders
- Persistent cough
All of these symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation, as they may signify serious cardiac conditions that require urgent intervention.
Emergency Cardiovascular Care in Dallas, TX
There are many different cardiovascular issues that may call for emergency medical care. If you experience symptoms of serious heart trouble, visit us at Total Point here in Dallas off the Northwest Highway. Our team of doctors can help you determine the cause, including the severity and urgency of your issue. Not all heart issues are life-threatening, but the only way to be safe is to get examined by a professional.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya from Unsplash on 7.3.2024 | used under the creative commons license