From the Guidelines
The symptoms of cardiac issues include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or pain in the jaw, arm(s), or back, as highlighted in the most recent guidelines from the American Heart Association 1. These symptoms can be indicative of a heart attack or other cardiac conditions, and it is essential to recognize them promptly to initiate appropriate treatment. The prevalence of myocardial infarction in patients presenting to the emergency department with nontraumatic chest pain varies by age, ranging from approximately 1% in patients 18 to 44 years of age to 4% in patients 80 years of age or older 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating cardiac symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom of cardiac issues, but it can also be caused by other conditions such as chest wall strains or pneumonia 1
- Shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or pain in the jaw, arm(s), or back can also be indicative of cardiac issues 1
- The symptoms of heart failure can mimic those of many other conditions, making accurate diagnosis difficult 1
- Atypical symptoms of acute coronary syndromes may be more common in the elderly, women, and diabetic patients, but any patient may present with atypical signs and symptoms 1
It is crucial to note that the symptoms of cardiac issues can vary widely, and some patients may present with atypical symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the most recent and highest-quality evidence when evaluating cardiac symptoms, such as the 2024 American Heart Association guidelines 1. Additionally, early recognition and treatment of cardiac issues can significantly improve outcomes, and patients should be taught to recognize the symptoms of acute coronary syndromes and to immediately activate the emergency medical services (EMS) system when symptoms appear 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Cardiac Issues
There are no research papers provided that directly discuss the symptoms of cardiac issues. However, the studies do mention the importance of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the need to estimate CVD risk using population-appropriate risk equations 2.
Risk Factors for Cardiac Issues
The studies highlight the importance of controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking to prevent CVD 2, 3, 4, 5.
Prevention Strategies
The studies discuss various prevention strategies, including:
- Primordial prevention (lifestyle changes involving smoking, diet, and exercise) 4
- Primary prevention (risk factor control) 4, 5
- Secondary prevention (acute and chronic disease management) 4
- Mobile phone-based interventions to improve adherence to medication prescribed for the primary prevention of CVD 6
Importance of Lifestyle Modifications
The studies emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as: