What are the key symptoms of heart disease that shouldn’t be ignored. How can you differentiate between normal heart sensations and potential cardiac issues. When should you seek medical attention for heart-related symptoms.

Chest Pain and Pressure: Understanding Angina

Chest pain or pressure is one of the most recognizable symptoms of heart disease. Often referred to as angina, this discomfort is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. However, angina can manifest differently for each individual:

• Some describe it as similar to heartburn or indigestion
• Others experience chest tightness, tingling, or numbness
• The sensation may extend to the back, neck, jaw, or arms
• It can be accompanied by dizziness or breathlessness

Is there a difference between stable and unstable angina? Stable angina is more predictable, occurring under specific circumstances like cold weather or physical exertion. Unstable angina, on the other hand, is unpredictable, more intense, and requires immediate medical attention.

Shortness of Breath: A Subtle yet Significant Symptom

Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is an often overlooked symptom of heart disease. It can occur without other symptoms, particularly in women, and may manifest in various ways:

• A persistent cough
• Feeling constantly winded during regular activities
• Difficulty catching your breath at rest or during activity
• Chest tightness
• Breathlessness when lying down that improves upon sitting up

Why is addressing breathing issues early important? Early intervention can provide more treatment options, quicker relief, and help prevent future cardiovascular problems.

Heart Palpitations: Decoding Irregular Heartbeats

Heart palpitations can be described as a heightened awareness of your heartbeat. These sensations may include:

• A flickering feeling in your chest
• The sensation of a skipped heartbeat
• A sudden racing feeling
• A pounding sensation from a rapid or slow heartbeat
• A heavy feeling in your chest

Are occasional heart palpitations normal? While an occasional flutter or skipped beat is typically not cause for concern, recurring patterns of palpitations should be documented and discussed with a healthcare provider.

Fatigue and Weakness: Silent Indicators of Heart Issues

Unexplained fatigue and weakness can be subtle signs of heart disease. This exhaustion may manifest as:

• Difficulty completing everyday tasks
• Feeling unusually tired after normal activities
• Persistent lack of energy
• Sudden onset of weakness

How can you differentiate between normal tiredness and heart-related fatigue? Heart-related fatigue often feels more profound and doesn’t improve with rest. If you’re experiencing persistent, unexplained fatigue, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider.

Swelling in Extremities: Recognizing Edema

Edema, or swelling in the extremities, can be a sign of heart failure. This swelling typically occurs in:

• Feet
• Ankles
• Legs
• Hands

Why does heart failure cause swelling? When the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, blood can back up in the veins, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues. This leads to visible swelling, especially in the lower extremities.

Irregular Heartbeat: Understanding Arrhythmias

An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can be a sign of underlying heart disease. Common types of arrhythmias include:

• Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
• Atrial fibrillation
• Premature ventricular contractions

How can you detect an irregular heartbeat? While some arrhythmias are noticeable as palpitations, others may be asymptomatic and only detected during routine medical examinations or with continuous monitoring devices.

Nausea and Vomiting: Unexpected Cardiac Symptoms

Nausea and vomiting are often overlooked as potential heart disease symptoms, especially in women. These gastrointestinal disturbances can be associated with:

• Heart attacks
• Heart failure
• Pericarditis

Why do heart problems sometimes cause nausea? The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to the nervous system’s response to cardiac distress. If you experience unexplained nausea, especially accompanied by other heart disease symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Understanding your risk factors for heart disease can help you identify symptoms early. Common risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• Family history of heart disease

How can you reduce your risk of heart disease? Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, can significantly lower your risk.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional mild symptoms may not be cause for alarm, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

1. Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
2. Shortness of breath that doesn’t improve with rest
3. Sudden, severe weakness or dizziness
4. Persistent, irregular heartbeat
5. Fainting or loss of consciousness

Can delaying medical attention worsen heart disease outcomes? Absolutely. Prompt medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes in many cardiac events, such as heart attacks or strokes.

Diagnostic Tests for Heart Disease

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have risk factors for heart disease, your healthcare provider may recommend various diagnostic tests:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Echocardiogram
• Stress tests
• Cardiac CT or MRI
• Blood tests
• Coronary angiography

How do these tests help in diagnosing heart disease? Each test provides specific information about your heart’s structure and function, helping healthcare providers make accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans.

Treatment Options for Heart Disease

Treatment for heart disease varies depending on the specific condition and its severity. Common approaches include:

• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management)
• Medications (e.g., statins, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors)
• Minimally invasive procedures (angioplasty, stenting)
• Surgery (bypass, valve repair or replacement)
• Implantable devices (pacemakers, defibrillators)

How effective are modern treatments for heart disease? With advances in medical technology and understanding of cardiovascular health, many heart conditions can be effectively managed or even reversed with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications.

Prevention Strategies for Heart Disease

Preventing heart disease is often easier and more effective than treating it. Key prevention strategies include:

1. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
2. Engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week)
3. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or counseling
4. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
5. Limiting alcohol consumption
6. Controlling other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
7. Getting regular health check-ups and screenings

How significant is the impact of lifestyle changes on heart health? Studies have shown that lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 80%, making them a crucial component of cardiovascular health management.

The Importance of Early Detection

Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of heart disease can be life-saving. Benefits of early detection include:

• More treatment options
• Better outcomes
• Reduced risk of complications
• Improved quality of life
• Lower healthcare costs in the long run

How can you stay vigilant about your heart health? Regular check-ups, self-awareness of symptoms, and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to early detection and management of heart disease.

Heart Disease in Different Populations

Heart disease can affect anyone, but certain populations may have unique risk factors or symptom presentations:

• Women often experience more subtle or atypical symptoms
• Elderly individuals may have masked symptoms due to other health conditions
• Certain ethnic groups have higher risks for specific types of heart disease
• Young adults may overlook symptoms, assuming they’re too young for heart problems

Why is it important to consider these population differences? Understanding how heart disease manifests in different groups can lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted prevention strategies.

The Role of Technology in Heart Disease Management

Advancements in technology are revolutionizing how we detect, monitor, and treat heart disease:

• Wearable devices for continuous heart rate and rhythm monitoring
• Smartphone apps for tracking symptoms and medication adherence
• Telemedicine for remote consultations and follow-ups
• Artificial intelligence for analyzing medical images and predicting outcomes
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques for faster recovery

How are these technologies improving heart disease outcomes? By providing more data, enabling earlier interventions, and making treatments less invasive, these technological advancements are significantly improving the prognosis for many heart disease patients.

Mental Health and Heart Disease

The connection between mental health and heart disease is increasingly recognized. Key points include:

• Stress, anxiety, and depression can increase the risk of heart disease
• Heart disease can lead to mental health issues like depression
• Managing mental health can improve heart health outcomes
• Holistic approaches to treatment often address both physical and mental well-being

How can you address the mental health aspects of heart disease? Seeking support from mental health professionals, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and maintaining social connections can all contribute to better overall health and improved heart disease management.

The Future of Heart Disease Research and Treatment

Ongoing research in cardiology is paving the way for exciting developments in heart disease prevention and treatment:

• Gene therapy for inherited heart conditions
• Personalized medicine based on genetic profiles
• Regenerative medicine using stem cells
• Advanced imaging techniques for earlier detection
• Novel drug therapies targeting specific molecular pathways

What impact will these advancements have on heart disease management? As research progresses, we can expect more targeted, effective treatments with fewer side effects, potentially leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life for heart disease patients.

Understanding the symptoms and risk factors of heart disease is crucial for early detection and effective management. By staying informed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking prompt medical attention when needed, you can take control of your heart health and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events. Remember, your heart works tirelessly for you – it’s important to listen to what it’s telling you and act accordingly.

Don’t miss a beat: 7 symptoms of heart disease to watch for

Many of us get a little heartburn after indulging at our favorite Juicy Lucy joint. And we’ve all felt our hearts race and our breathing get heavy after climbing the stairs at Minnehaha Falls. But can symptoms like these ever be signs that something more serious is going on? And what about more “unusual” symptoms like chest tightness or heart flutters? Is it a passing thing? Or an early sign of heart trouble?

On their own, occasional experiences like these are probably nothing to worry about. But when you’re regularly experiencing things that seem out of the ordinary, they’re worth paying attention to.

Nearly half of all American adults have some sort of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease. A major event like a heart attack or stroke is too often the first sign of trouble for many people. However, understanding heart disease risk factors, early warning signs and commonly overlooked heart disease symptoms may help you and your doctor recognize problems sooner.

So, what do you need to be on the lookout for? Below we cover seven key heart disease symptoms and signs to watch for.

1. Chest pain or chest pressure (angina)

Chest pain or pressure might be two of the first things that come to mind when you think about heart trouble. And you’re right: These symptoms can be warning signs of a heart attack, and they shouldn’t be ignored.

Pain or pressure that regularly comes and goes after a few minutes is often referred to as angina, and it’s caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is relatively common, but it feels different for everyone. For example:

• Some people compare their discomfort to heartburn or indigestion, while others may feel chest tightness, tingling, numbness or simply an unusual feeling.
• Signs of angina can also differ between men and women. For example, women often report sharp chest pain, whereas men say they feel chest pressure.
• Discomfort may not start or stop in your chest. Pain, pressure, tingling or numbness in your back, neck, jaw, arms and other areas nearby is also possible.
• Chest or upper body pain or pressure may not be the only thing you feel. You could also feel dizzy or breathless – which we talk more about below.

There are two types of angina: stable and unstable. Stable angina is more predictable and only lasts for a short time. For example, you may know that you’re more likely to experience chest pain in cold weather, exercising, climbing stairs or when you feel stressed. Unstable angina on the other hand may appear unexpectedly, feel more intense, last longer than just a few minutes and will require medical attention.

If you’re regularly experiencing any of these funny feelings, don’t delay getting the care and answers you need. Make an appointment to talk about it with your doctor. Together, you may be able to catch symptoms before they become an issue, not to mention gaining peace of mind.

Don’t delay getting the heart care and answers you need

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2.

Recurring shortness of breath with or without exertion

Shortness of breath, which is also called dyspnea, is a heart disease symptom that can be easily overlooked.

For one, shortness of breath can occur without other symptoms like chest pain, particularly in women. In addition, shortness of breath can feel different for everyone and happens under different circumstances, so you may find it hard to describe. For example, shortness of breath can take the form of:

• A cough that doesn’t go away
• Constantly feeling winded during regular activities
• Not being able to catch your breath whether you’re at rest or doing an activity
• Tightness in your chest
• Breathlessness when you lay down that improves when you sit up

From an easily managed condition to more serious cardiovascular issues like heart disease or arrhythmia, addressing breathing issues earlier may give you more treatment options, quicker relief and help prevent future problems.

3. Patterns of heart palpitations, like heart flutters or skipped heartbeats

A flickering in your chest. A missed beat. A sudden racing feeling. These are all examples of heart palpitations. When you have heart palpitations, you’re more aware of your heartbeat than usual.

What does a heart flutter or palpitation feel like? These sensations usually aren’t painful, but they sure do feel strange. You may feel like your heartbeat is fluttering or like your heart skipped a beat. You may also experience a pounding sensation from a racing heartbeat or a slow heartbeat. Or your heartbeat might feel heavy in your chest.

An occasional heart palpitation, heart flutter or skipped beat is normal – even healthy hearts do this every now and then. But if your heart palpitations seem to come and go with some regularity, it’s a good idea to write down your symptoms and when they’re most likely to occur, and talk with your doctor.

For example, do you experience heart palpitations when lying down or sitting up? Does changing position help? Or do you feel a fluttering in your chest when you’re exercising or can it happen when you’re at rest too?

So, what causes heart palpitations? There can be several different explanations. That said, recurring heart palpitations can be related to heart arrhythmias such as tachycardia, bradycardia or atrial fibrillation (AFib) – all of which can be easily treated and effectively managed.

4. Constant tiredness (fatigue)

All of us have days when we move a little slower or feel like we didn’t get enough sleep the night before. But when feeling tired is no longer a “once in a while” occurrence, it’s important to take what you’re feeling seriously.

Generally, fatigue is a feeling of constantly being tired or not having the energy to get through your daily routines. You can usually identify fatigue by considering how you feel over time. Some questions to ask yourself include:

• Are you more tired than you used to be?
• Do you have less energy to do everyday activities like climbing stairs, walking around the store or doing laundry?
• Are you avoiding physical activity, maybe without even realizing it?

While you may feel like constant tiredness isn’t a big deal, it’s important to take it seriously. Especially alongside other cardiovascular symptoms we’re discussing here, fatigue may be a sign that your heart isn’t working the way it should – which can indicate more serious heart issues or another underlying condition such as thyroid problems.

5. Dizziness or lightheadedness

From bad migraines to standing up too quickly, dizziness and lightheadedness can occur for a variety of reasons. But when it happens more regularly, it can be a sign of an underlying health condition, including heart disease.

Simply put, when your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, your blood pressure can drop. And when this happens, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded.

The best course of action is to talk with your doctor as soon as you can about your symptoms, your medical history, and possible causes. Similar to the other symptoms we’ve talked about, you don’t want to delay getting care. Getting check out sooner rather than later can help catch any health issues more quickly and help prevent future problems.

6. Unexplained swelling, especially around your legs, ankles or feet

Swelling is your body’s natural response to inflammation or fluid buildup. From itchy bumps left by mosquito bites to pain and tightness in an injured area, swelling can be caused by a range of different conditions.

But if you’re noticing that areas around your body are getting larger – especially your legs, ankles or feet – and you can’t tie it to a known condition, medication or injury, don’t ignore it.

The swelling you’re experiencing may be simply annoying, like being unable to get your shoes on. However, it can also be painful. The swelling may make your skin more sensitive, and you may notice it becomes worse at the end of the day or when you’re standing for a long time.

The good news is that there are treatments, such as compression socks, that can help reduce or manage swelling. But you’ll want to discover and treat the root cause, too.

7. Sudden weight gain

It’s not unusual for your weight to fluctuate by a couple pounds throughout the course of a day. But if you suddenly put on few pounds quickly – like in a 24-hour period – and they seem to stick, your body may be retaining fluid.

Your weight gain may not be visibly noticeable, especially if you haven’t noticed any swelling. But you may feel bloated or experience other symptoms such as a rise in blood pressure or breathlessness.

You should let your doctor know if you notice any sudden weight gain, and you should also begin tracking your weight from day to day. Generally speaking, gaining and retaining 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds a week can signal an underlying issue.

Know the risk factors for heart disease

Heart disease can affect anyone. But if you’re experiencing one or more of the symptoms above, you should take the time to learn whether you have certain risk factors that make you more likely to develop heart trouble. Here are a few risk factors to consider:

• High blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol and smoking are all associated with heart disease. Almost half of all Americans (47%) have at least one of these risk factors.
• High stress levels, excessive alcohol use, not exercising regularly, and eating too much fat, salt or sugar all put extra strain on your heart.
• Some people have a family history of heart disease, so they may be at higher risk of developing heart problems themselves.

Don’t wait for another sign: Talk to your doctor about your heart disease symptoms.

If you’re noticing one or more of these seven symptoms, then the best place to start is by making an appointment with a primary care doctor to have your heart checked out and tested.

Your primary care doctor can diagnose and treat hundreds of conditions. They can help you build your heart wellness by working with you to create a tailored treatment plan that includes tips for healthy eating and exercises for heart health. And if specialist help is needed, your doctor can connect you with an expert in cardiology for more testing and treatment.

There’s no doubt that symptoms of heart disease can be concerning, especially if you’re not sure what’s behind them or what the next steps are. But answers, care and treatment are available to help keep your heart as healthy as it can be so you can live your best life.

Don’t delay getting the heart care and answers you need

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What’s Causing That Fluttering in Your Chest?

Do scary movies make your heart skip a beat? Or maybe you notice a flutter in your chest just as you’re settling down for the night.

“When your heart beats rapidly or irregularly for a few seconds, you might feel this odd sensation in your chest, neck or throat,” says Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, MD, a Geisinger cardiac electrophysiologist.

This fleeting feeling is a called a heart palpitation. Most of the time, these aren’t cause for concern, but it’s always best to work with your doctor to eliminate potential heart conditions.

What causes heart palpitations?

Lots of things can cause an occasional flutter, so it can be hard to pinpoint the trigger at first.

Some common causes of heart palpitations include:

• Anxiety
• Dehydration
• Strenuous exercise
• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Some cold and cough medications
• Asthma medications
• Pregnancy

Anxiety is a common cause of palpitations, and you’ll probably notice the feeling right before a nerve-wracking event like a first date or big presentation at work. This side effect might be accompanied by an upset stomach or sweaty palms.

But what about when the flutter happens with no obvious trigger, like when you’re about to fall asleep?

“People often notice heart palpitations at night because there are fewer distractions competing for their attention,” explains Dr. Vijayaraman. “They might be happening throughout the day, but you’re too busy to notice.”

Preventing palpitations

An occasional fluttering in your chest usually resolves on its own or with simple lifestyle changes.

Dr. Vijayaraman offers the following tips to deal with heart palpitations:

• Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or deep breathing.
• Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.
• Cut back on or eliminate stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
• Lower your alcohol intake.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications might cause palpitations.

Could fluttering in your chest be AFib?

If the feeling lasts more than a few seconds at a time, increases in frequency, or if you know you have an existing heart condition, it could be atrial fibrillation, or AFib.

“During atrial fibrillation, upper heart chambers called atria flutter or fibrillate, meaning they beat at very fast rates,” explains Dr. Vijayaraman. “This results in irregular beating of the lower chambers called the ventricles.”

Other symptoms of AFib include:

• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or general fatigue
• Chest pain

For some people, AFib lasts a few days at a time and their heartbeat returns to normal. For others, AFib can last longer or become chronic. Whether the flutters are short-lived or become permanent, AFib increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.

“Atrial fibrillation results in weak contractions of the upper chambers and increases the chance for blood clot formations in the heart and the risk of stroke,” says Dr. Vijayaraman. “Patients with AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke than those without it.”

It’s also important to note that some people who have AFib don’t have heart flutters or other symptoms at all.

“Occasionally, a patient will be diagnosed with AFib during a routine checkup,” notes Dr. Vijayaraman. “That’s why it’s so important to see your doctor regularly, especially as you age.”

If you’re older than 65 and have health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or are overweight, you may be at increased risk for AFib. Talk to your doctor about ways to monitor your heart health over time. For example, many wearable fitness trackers or smart watches can track your heart rate and even record electrocardiogram results directly to your phone.

When to see a doctor

Talk to your doctor if you notice your heart fluttering more frequently or other signs like fainting, shortness of breath or lightheadedness.

“They can monitor your heartbeat, conduct tests like an electrocardiogram or have you wear a heart monitor for a brief time,” says Dr. Vijayaraman. “Understanding your family health history and any health conditions can also help your doctor accurately diagnose your irregular heartbeat.”

So, next time your heart skips a beat, take notice. Whether it’s from that extra shot of espresso or first-date jitters, knowing the cause can help give you peace of mind.

Next steps:

What is a normal heart rate? Here’s how to measure yours.
Learn more about heart care at Geisinger
6 heart symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

what causes pain, causes, diagnosis, treatment methods

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Common causes

When the pain is localized at chest , it can be difficult to quickly recognize which organ caused it to appear. Some pathologies are characterized by reflected pain sensations that are felt not at the site of the lesion, but somewhere nearby.

What reasons are most common in practice:

• for pathologies of the nervous system;
• for diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• for violations of the functioning of the digestive tract;
• with deterioration of the respiratory system.

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, discomfort associated with burning appears in a person who deliberately allows certain errors in the diet. Also, the occurrence of a symptom can be explained by a missed meal. What is accompanied by burning :

• hiccups;
• specific odor from the mouth;
• belching;
• exfoliative glossitis, in which some areas of the mucosa become discolored;
• chest pain .

The occurrence of these symptoms in the chest should alert the person. Their cause can be: a hernia of the esophagus, pathologies of the stomach, characterized by a violation of the integrity of its mucosa. When the gastroenterologist confirms the presence of the disease, treatment will be prescribed taking into account the characteristics of the body of each patient. In some cases, surgery will be required.

Important! Burning caused by pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, most often burning. Sensations cover the entire chest. The pain often radiates to the back, the chest seems to be bursting. Occurs during or after eating.

According to gastroenterologists, unhealthy diet becomes the initiating factors for the appearance of burning sensation in the chest area due to pathologies of the digestive tract. It consists of overly salty or fatty foods, soda and any fast food. Overeating and eating before bed can also trigger malaise.

According to medical practice, pathologies of the organs of the respiratory system can sometimes also be accompanied by a characteristic burning sensation and chest pain . What will indicate their appearance of diseases such as bronchitis, COPD, pleurisy of the lungs:

• paroxysmal cough;
• the presence of breathing noise;
• the occurrence of asthma attacks;
• deterioration in general condition and fever.

When such symptoms appear, an X-ray of the chest should be taken immediately. A sick person should consult a pulmonologist.

Unpleasant sensations in the chest area may be the result of the appearance of intercostal neuralgia and other diseases of the central nervous system. Chest pain most often paroxysmal, occurs suddenly. In this case, you should consult a neurologist for help.

With neuralgic pathologies, unpleasant sensations increase with inhalation and exhalation. The intensity of pain and burning sensation decreases with a change in body position. According to experts, with panic attacks and various types of neuroses, a specific burning sensation in the sternum can sometimes appear.

If the cause of burning in the thoracic region is osteochondrosis, then it may be accompanied by numbness of the upper extremities and a significant decrease in their sensitivity.

In some cases, the cause of burning sensation and pain may be atypical factors, for example, insufficient maturity of organs in a teenager, or the consequences of infectious diseases. Unpleasant sensations in the chest area sometimes appear due to bad habits and overwork. The cause of pain may be a short-term vasospasm. With this pathology, the patient often feels weak, his heartbeat quickens and blood flow worsens. The skin turns pale, the limbs become cold.

Cardiovascular problems

Unpleasant sensations, which are accompanied by severe burning sensation and by pain in the chest region , may be caused by a malfunction of the heart and blood vessels. This condition is considered dangerous to health, so you need to see a doctor immediately. If the pain appeared after the person had a nervous shock or as a result of increased physical exertion, nitroglycerin should be taken to alleviate the condition.

When emergency assistance is needed:

• with a sharp drop in blood pressure;
• when the pulse becomes unstable;
• with weakness in the body and the occurrence of pre-syncope;
• appearance of cold drops of sweat;
• when the pain is reflected to the left (in the collarbone, in the left arm, in the shoulder blade).

Symptoms indicate serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system, such as:

1. Impaired cardiac function in angina pectoris. Symptoms: the presence of severe burning sensation and pain , the appearance of a feeling of strong squeezing inside, slight tingling. Pain often begins to radiate to the left limb, spreads under the scapula. In some cases, there are discomfort in the lower jaw. Burning, as a rule, lasts no more than 15 minutes. At rest and after taking nitroglycerin, it disappears.
2. Severe form of ischemic disease myocardial infarction. There is a blockage of most of the vessel through which blood flows to the heart. Pain at women and men intense, burning in the chest is quite strong. The duration of the attack is long-term, the pain syndrome is not stopped by nitroglycerin. At rest, there is no relief. Unpleasant sensations are accompanied by shortness of breath, the appearance of weakness in the body and limbs, and a decrease in visual acuity.
3. A dangerous disease of vascular aneurysms. Accompanied by protrusion of the chest and severe paroxysmal pain.
4. Jump in blood pressure. Symptoms: weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, sometimes burning in the chest.
5. Inflammatory processes in the body affect the functioning of the heart muscle. Unpleasant sensations spread on both sides. Their intensity increases with a change in body position.
6. Blockage of the pulmonary artery is classified as a life-threatening condition. In addition to the characteristic severe burning sensation, the patient develops shortness of breath, a strong cough, the skin acquires a bluish tint. Need emergency hospitalization.
7. Rupture or dissection of the aorta. Painful sensations are characterized by sharpness. Burning in the left side of the chest or in the middle, it is constantly increasing, there is no relief.
8. Ischemia – discomfort in the chest can occur even at rest.

A person experiencing a specific burning sensation in the chest needs medical attention even if the discomfort passes quickly. It is important to perceive malaise as a signal of violations of the body. To prevent negative consequences, you need to undergo an examination and receive recommendations for treatment.

Methods of diagnosis and treatment

Causes of burning sensation can only be identified by a doctor. To do this, the patient will need to undergo such examinations:

• do an ECG;
• provide radiographic results;
• take a blood test;
• undergo a gastroscopy.

With the help of an ECG, it is possible to determine whether there are signs of ischemia and myocardial necrosis. Also, this examination makes it possible to identify violations of the conduction of the pulse and heart rhythm. If pathological changes are detected, the patient will be recommended to undergo an echocardiogram to assess the anatomical structure of the heart.

It is possible to diagnose the appearance of not only cardiological, but also pulmonary pathologies using x-rays. The examination will help specialists to examine the affected areas of the organ in more detail.

To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor will give a referral for blood donation for cardiac markers. The analysis is considered complex, it reveals the presence of certain enzymes that regulate the functioning of the heart.

To exclude disruption of the digestive tract, you should undergo a gastroscopy. The treatment plan is given to the patient only after establishing the cause of discomfort in the chest. Self-medication can cause serious harm to health in general, so you should never do it.

Harbingers of a heart attack | City polyclinic 4

Pain or discomfort in the chest niya behind the sternum, extending into the axillary fossa, left or right arm, left shoulder blade , the left half of the neck, sometimes in the right half of the chest and upper abdomen. Unpleasant sensations can be stable, but they can also be fleeting (appear and disappear with a certain frequency). In persons with angina pectoris, attacks become more frequent, prolonged, and more difficult to eliminate.

Long-lasting (more than 20-30 minutes) pain behind the sternum,

that does not go away from taking conventional drugs in such cases, indicates the development of myocardial infarction.

The pain phase of the acute period of myocardial infarction is very dangerous: the longer the pain does not stop, the more severe the infarction in the future.

Discomfort in the stomach area (pressure, heaviness, feeling of fullness, bloating or heartburn-like sensation) if:

• not associated with “errors” in nutrition or food poisoning;
• is not eliminated by simple home remedies.

Pre-syncope (cold sweat, dizziness, weakness, nausea associated with a drop in blood pressure with a decrease in cardiac contractility).

Irregular heartbeat (interruptions or very frequent contractions) if they:

• develop suddenly, without any apparent reason;
• are accompanied by pain or a feeling of heaviness in the chest, indigestion, shortness of breath, dizziness.

At the same time, the pulse becomes frequent, weak, non-rhythmic, sometimes it can not even be counted (a person can feel how his heart “pounds” and his chest “shakes”, as something “turns over” inside).

Due to malnutrition of the brain, there may be such a feeling as if a person is not walking, but hovering above the ground or the ground is slipping from under his feet.

Feeling short of breath, shortness of breath, feeling of suffocation, if they occur suddenly, simultaneously with other symptoms typical of a heart attack, or without them. At the same time, to facilitate breathing, a person is forced to take a sitting or semi-sitting position, or to approach an open window in order to breathe in some fresh air.

What should I do if I suspect a heart attack?

Feeling pain behind the sternum, you should:

• stop all active actions, sit down, leaning on the back of a chair or armchair;
• if the pain does not go away within 4-5 minutes, you need to lie down and put a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue and wait for it to dissolve completely.

KNOW

Nitroglycerin is rapidly absorbed and enters the blood almost instantly. If the first tablet did not bring relief or the pain did not go away completely, you can take another tablet after 5 minutes, but not more than three.

Nitroglycerin can lead to a sharp decrease in blood pressure, so antihypertensive drugs should be taken simultaneously with it only under pressure control.

If these measures do not bring relief, it is urgent to call an ambulance.

Before she arrives, :

• chew half a tablet of aspirin;
• calm down, do not give in to panic and fear; if the “nerves give up”, you can drink 30-40 drops of valocordin.