CVD Symptoms

Cardiovascular Disease, or CVD, is one of the major causes of death in the Western world. CVD includes any diseases involving the heart and circulatory system such as angina, heart attack and stroke. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of CVD so that you can consult a doctor and make changes to your lifestyle, which can help prevent illness and even premature death.

Chest Pain

• Chest pain during exercise, stress or cold weather can be a sign of CVD, particularly if the pain spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms. This pain is known medically as angina and represents a lack of oxygen to the heart, caused by muscular weakness or blocked arteries. Extended pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that spreads out to the shoulders, neck or arms is also a warning sign for a heart attack. If you recognize this symptom at any point, call emergency services immediately.

Palpitations

• Irregular or elevated heart rate, often demonstrated by shortness of breath during daily tasks or light physical activity, can be a symptom of CVD. A doctor can monitor your heart rate over a short period to determine whether you have heart disease and can advise you on ways to rectify this problem. A rapidly elevated heart rate, particularly when teamed with any other symptoms of CVD, can be a sign of an impending heart attack.

Feverishness

• Anxiety and discomfort in the chest combined with feverish symptoms such as clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness and fainting are symptoms of imminent heart attack and emergency action should be taken immediately on recognition of these warning signs.

Weakness

• Sudden weakness in the arms and legs with a numb sensation in the face is one of the symptoms of a stroke and should receive emergency medical attention as soon as possible. A feeling of general weakness throughout the body, light-headedness and fainting can be signs of congestive heart failure or heart attack and also warrant prompt medical treatment.