From the Guidelines
If you're concerned about a heart issue, watch for warning signs like chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and fainting, as these symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, particularly if they occur suddenly or during physical activity. These symptoms are associated with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly 1. The classic symptoms of ACS include chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness, and can last more than 15 minutes 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating cardiac symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort, especially during exertion, is a common symptom of cardiac issues 1
- Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and fainting can also be indicative of cardiac problems 1
- Risk factors that increase concern include age over 45 for men or 55 for women, family history of heart disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle 1
- For immediate assessment, call emergency services (911) if you experience severe chest pain, especially with sweating, nausea, or radiation to the arm or jaw 1
It's essential to note that some patients, especially women, may experience atypical symptoms such as indigestion, dyspnea, epigastric, shoulder, arm or back pain, fatigue or weakness 1. Regular check-ups with your doctor, including blood pressure measurements, cholesterol screening, and discussions about your risk factors, are essential for early detection and prevention of heart issues. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't try to self-diagnose heart problems, as many conditions can mimic cardiac symptoms, and seek medical attention immediately 1.
From the Research
Cardiac Issue Symptoms
The symptoms of a cardiac issue can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort 2, 3, 4
- Shortness of breath 2, 3
- Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulders 2
- Feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint 2
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back 2
- Sweating 2, 3
- Stomach or abdominal discomfort 2
- Nausea or vomiting 2
- Headache 2
- Feeling of anxiety 2, 3
Less Common Symptoms
Less common symptoms of a cardiac issue include:
Symptom Attribution
Only 45.1% of patients who experienced acute coronary syndrome (ACS) correctly attributed their symptoms to a cardiac cause 2. This suggests that increasing knowledge about cardiac symptoms, particularly less obvious ones, could be beneficial.
Sex Differences
There are sex differences in patients seeking medical attention for prodromal symptoms before an acute coronary event, with women being more likely to seek medical attention for these symptoms 3. Seeking help for these symptoms is associated with improved survival in women but not in men 3.