Why are warning signs of heart disease important?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary artery disease becomes increasingly common in men over age 40 and in women after menopause. Ignoring warning signs of heart disease can be fatal.

Heart attacks can occur without warning, but often there are symptoms of heart disease years before the attack. Some common warning signs are chest pain with exertion or activity, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and feet, leg pain with walking, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your health care provider. If you follow your provider's advice, you may be able to prevent a major heart attack.

Chest pain (angina)

Angina is a temporary pain, tightness, or pressure in your chest that occurs if your heart muscles are not getting enough oxygen. The pain may travel to your throat or jaw, around your back, or to your left shoulder or arm. It is possible to have a heart attack with no warning, but many people have angina for some time first.

Angina that occurs when you exercise and disappears with rest is called stable angina. Angina that is new or comes on unexpectedly or when you are resting is called unstable angina. Unstable angina is much more serious than stable angina and may mean that without immediate medical attention a heart attack will soon occur.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is the most common warning sign of heart failure. Heart failure doesn't usually mean your heart has stopped. Generally it means that your heart is having trouble pumping enough blood around your body. This causes fluid to build up in and around your lungs. The fluid makes breathing difficult.

Heart failure can usually be treated. If it is not treated, it will get steadily worse. If you begin to get breathless going upstairs or after less and less exercise, or if you need more pillows to breathe comfortably in bed, you need to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

Swelling (edema) in the legs and feet

Millions of Americans have leg swelling from causes other than heart disease. However, the collection of fluid in your legs can be a warning sign of heart problems. This is especially true if you have other symptoms, such as shortness of breath. You may have swelling in your abdomen, too. Tell your health care provider if you notice fluid collecting in your legs, ankles, or feet.

Pain in the legs with walking (claudication)

Pain that occurs in the calf muscles when you walk can be a sign of heart and blood vessel disease. This type of pain happens only with activity and stops a minute or two after you stop the activity. It occurs when your muscles are not getting enough oxygen because of blocked arteries. Blockages in the leg arteries may mean there are blockages in the heart (coronary) arteries as well.

High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol

High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol are both warning signs of possible heart problems in the future. You usually can't tell if you have either high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol without measuring your blood pressure or testing your blood. Both measurements may be done routinely at health check-ups. A blood pressure machine may be available in your local pharmacy. Both blood pressure and cholesterol screening may be offered in your community from time to time. High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol can be treated by your health care provider.

Summary

If you have any of these warning symptoms, you should see your health care provider, so he or she can help you determine if you have heart disease.