Signs & Symptoms of Heart & Lung Disease

Heart and lung diseases include conditions such as cardiomyopathy, heart attack, vein disorders, heart failure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, lung cancer and many others. The signs and symptoms depend on the cause and severity of disease as well as personal health factors.

Significance

• According to the Mayo Clinic, diseases of the heart are the leading cause of death of Americans, and lung diseases are the third. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these conditions could reduce the chance of complications, becoming disabled or dying.

Types

• Heart disease might cause symptoms including chest pain, difficulty breathing, coldness in the extremities, swelling, dizziness or fatigue; lung disease symptoms include fatigue, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, chest pain and clubbed fingernails.

Identification

• A physician diagnoses symptoms of heart and lung diseases by examining the patient and might order tests including blood tests, chest x-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scans, or surgical biopsy.

Causes

• Heart and lung diseases might result from congenital problems; personal behaviors such as unhealthy diet, smoking or drinking; infections; medications; air pollution; and past exposure to radiation.

Treatments

• Treatments for symptoms of heart and lung diseases vary and include lifestyle changes; oxygen and pulmonary therapy; medications; surgery; and organ transplantation.

Prevention/Solution

• Stopping or never starting the use of alcohol and tobacco; eating a healthy diet; avoiding secondhand smoke; maintaining a healthy weight; managing emotional stress; and practicing good hygiene can help to prevent heart and lung diseases.