Saturday, February 21, 2009

Watch out for these Symptoms of Heart Disease

By Allie Hart

The signs of common heart problems are not always easily recognized. Some symptoms of coronary heart disease need immediate attention. Other symptoms may not even be related to the heart. How can you tell the difference?

Always discuss what you feel may be symptoms of heart disease with your doctor. You might not have one of any number of common heart problems, but if you are not sure, check it out before you end up with a heart attack. Let your doctor tell you if your symptoms are serious.

Here are some common symptoms: Feeling exhausted without apparent reason -- not being able to do a full day's work or even finish simple chores. You might have a loss of appetite, or even nausea with a bloated stomach feeling. Finding breathing labored or difficult without exertion is another sign. All of these should be reported to your doctor.

Some of the more common danger signs of heart problems are: heart palpitations, a racing heart rate of over 100 beats per minute, and/or chest discomfort or pain. If resting eases any or all of these symptoms, you might have heart disease.

Go straight to hospital if that is your doctor's advice. If you cannot get in touch with your doctor, and you are concerned, you should go to hospital right away rather than ignore any health disease symptoms. This is especially true if you indulge in unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking or substance abuse, or if you have members of your family who have heart disease.

If you are alone, call 911. If you feel chilled or are sweating profusely; if you suddenly feel weak or have severe shortness of breath along with an accelerated heart rate, you should get to a medical facility immediately. Other severe signs are not being able to move, an unusually severe headache, fainting spells or a heavy feeling in your chest that turns into a severe pain.

Heart disease symptoms can rapidly deteriorate into a heart attack. You may feel you are not in danger, but if you are having the symptoms, call your doctor. If on the other hand, you feel you may be in danger - don't hesitate to see if it gets better. Go to the hospital or call 911! - 15437

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