Symptoms of Heart Disease to Be Aware of
Discover key symptoms of heart disease, from chest pain and shortness of breath to fatigue and dizziness. Early detection and understanding risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol can improve outcomes and prevent complications.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 12th Mar, 2025
Heart disease encompasses a range of conditions that can impact the heart's function, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), congenital heart defects, heart muscle diseases, and valve disorders.
When the heart cannot function efficiently, it struggles to supply the body with adequate oxygen, blood, and nutrients, which can disrupt overall bodily functions. Identifying the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease early is essential for seeking prompt medical care and improving health outcomes. Continue reading to explore the key symptoms of heart disease and their significance.
Common Symptoms of Heart Disease
Here are some of the most common symptoms of heart disease to watch out for:
Chest Pain
Chest discomfort is one of the most common indicators of heart disease. It can manifest as tightness, pain, or pressure, often signaling a blocked artery or a potential heart attack. The sensation varies from person to person and depends on the underlying cause. During a heart attack, the discomfort may feel like heaviness or intense pressure in the chest. If the pain subsides after a few minutes of rest, it could indicate angina—a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another prevalent symptom of heart disease. It occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, causing blood to back up in the veins connecting the lungs to the heart. This leads to fluid leakage into the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties—a hallmark of heart failure. You might experience shortness of breath while resting, during physical activity, or even when lying flat. In some cases, it may disturb your sleep, waking you up due to difficulty breathing.
Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue can arise from various factors, including the need for more rest, but it may also indicate a more serious issue like heart disease. It could signal heart trouble if:
- You experience extreme exhaustion beyond your usual level, a common symptom in women before or during a heart attack.
- You feel too drained to carry out your regular daily tasks.
- You suddenly encounter intense and unexpected weakness.
Less Known Symptoms of Heart Disease
In addition to the most common and widely known symptoms of heart disease, you should also be aware of the following less known symptoms:
Dizziness or light-headedness
Feeling faint or losing balance can have various causes, such as dehydration, standing up too quickly, or low blood sugar. However, if it happens suddenly and is accompanied by chest discomfort or difficulty breathing, it could indicate a drop in blood pressure due to the heart’s inability to pump effectively.
Jaw, Neck or Back Pain
Pain in the jaw, neck, or back is often linked to muscle strain, sinus issues, or other non-heart-related causes. However, if you experience discomfort or pressure in the center of your chest that radiates to these areas, it could be an indication of a heart attack.
Swelling in Legs, Feet and Ankles
Bloating can indicate that your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently. When the heart struggles to maintain adequate circulation, blood may accumulate in the veins, leading to swelling and discomfort. Additionally, heart failure can impair kidney function, making it difficult to eliminate excess water and sodium, which further contributes to bloating.
Get Personalised Care for Heart Issues
Symptoms Specific to Different Types of Heart Disease
Heart disease symptoms may vary depending on the specific condition.
Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. This plaque, composed of cholesterol and other substances, narrows the arteries over time, often taking years or decades to develop noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses and the arteries narrow, the heart works harder to pump oxygen-rich blood, leading to mild symptoms. Common symptoms of CAD include:
- Stable Angina: This is the most common symptom, characterised by temporary chest discomfort or pain that follows a predictable pattern.
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Some individuals experience difficulty breathing, even during light physical activity.
- Heart Attack: For some, a heart attack may be the first sign of CAD, underscoring the importance of early detection and management.
Arrhythmias Symptoms
Arrhythmias refer to irregularities in the heart's rhythm, which can cause it to beat too slow, too fast, or unevenly. These disruptions in the heart's electrical system can lead to a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of arrhythmias include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Episodes of fainting or near-fainting
- A racing or rapid heartbeat
- A fluttering sensation in the chest
- A noticeably slow heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
Gender Differences in Heart Disease Symptoms
Heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women, but it can manifest in distinct ways between the sexes. Biological differences in the cardiovascular system contribute to these variations. Women’s hearts are smaller and blood vessels are narrower as compared to men, which can affect how heart disease progresses. For example, while men tend to develop cholesterol plaque buildup in the large arteries supplying blood to the heart, women are more likely to experience this buildup in the smaller blood vessels, known as the microvasculature. A heart attack may not always present the same way in women as it does in men. While chest pain is the most common symptom for both, women are more likely than men to report additional symptoms, such as:
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Pain in the neck, throat, abdomen, jaw, or back
Risk Factors for Heart Disease Symptoms
Certain factors can increase your likelihood of getting heart disease. These risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Tobacco use
- Family history of heart disease
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Type 2 diabetes
- Poor diet
- BMI (Body Mass Index) over 25 (overweight)
- Substance use disorder
Heart Disease Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention?
If you notice any signs of heart disease, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Don’t wait around to see if symptoms subside or ignore them. Get immediate medical attention if:
- You experience chest pain or other signs of a heart attack
- You have known angina and chest pain persists after five minutes of rest or taking nitroglycerin
- You suspect you’re having a heart attack
- You become severely short of breath
- You think you may have lost consciousness
Diagnostic Tests for Heart Disease
Some of the most common tests used to diagnose various types of heart disease include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
- Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Ambulatory monitors
- Heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Cardiac computerised tomography (CT)
- Stress test
- Blood tests to check cholesterol levels and other substances
- Cardiac catheterisation
Preventative Measures for Heart Disease
Consider these heart-healthy tips to help prevent heart disease.
- Eat a diet low in salt and saturated fats
- Don't smoke
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days
- Manage and reduce stress
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control high cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes
- Get enough sleep, aiming for 7 to 9 hours per night
Conclusion
Heart disease encompasses a wide range of conditions that can affect the heart's function, and recognising the symptoms early is crucial for improving outcomes. While common signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue are often linked to heart disease, it's important to also be aware of less obvious symptoms, such as dizziness, jaw pain, and swelling in the legs. Specific conditions like coronary artery disease and arrhythmias can present with distinct symptoms, which may vary between men and women due to biological differences.
Understanding your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history, can help you take proactive steps toward prevention.
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Consult Top Cardiologists
Dr. Kapil Challawar
Cardiologist
7 Years • MD, DM (Cardiology)
Guwahati
Apollo Excel Care Hospita, Guwahati, Guwahati
Dr. Mangesh Danej
Cardiologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Cardiology)
Pune
Dr Danej clinic, Pune
(350+ Patients)
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16 Years • MBBS, MD (General Madicine), DM (Cardiology)
Gurugram
Svasthya Child & Cardiac Care, Gurugram
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8 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Cardiology
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UMC, Kormangla, Bengaluru
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