Information on Heart Disease

by Allie Hart

Knowing the Symptoms of Heart Disease can Save Your Life!

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.

If you are having any of these symptoms, or particularly if you are having multiple symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately. This is even more crucial if you are in a high risk category: smokers, excessive drinkers, substance abusers, or individuals with a genetic background of heart disease are all in a higher risk group. If you cannot reach your doctor, you should have a family member or friend drive you to the emergency room.

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!

About the Author:

These steps can save your life. Look at the resources available that have helped thousands at Common Heart Problems found at http://commonheartproblems.com

by Ana Dupuis

A critical first step in dealing with heart disease is to learn to talk to your doctor about your questions and worries. You’re not alone when it comes to difficulties in talking to a medical practitioner about your health concerns. But when it comes to heart wellness no question should be left unanswered.

There are those who hope that their questions will be answered through the course of an examination, rather than having to actually voice them. Physicians don’t always have as much time as they would like with each patient due to their demanding schedules and long waiting lists. In particular, women need to voice their concerns, since heart disease isn’t as readily associated with women, even though they are equally at risk.

Questions that you should ask your doctor include what your blood pressure is recorded as and what is normal for you. You need to know what your blood cholesterol and glucose levels are and if they are considered normal. Ask your doctor which tests are suggested for people of your age, both currently and in the future.

If medication has been prescribed, do not hesitate to ask if there are side effects, what the drug is supposed to do, and whether you should take other medication, even over the counter, with your prescribed medicine. Also find out if this is a long term medication or temporary. Tests to monitor the effects of the medication you are taking should be conducted at a later date if it is recommended by your doctor. The liver is one organ that most doctors consider testing when a patient is on certain medicines.

If you always get home and remember something that you forgot to ask the doctor, make a “need to know” list and take it with you on your next visit. Do not forget to bring with you the medications that you are presently on as well. If you have more than one health care provider, this is a must.

Include your recent history of illness and surgery. This should be in your medical chart so that the doctor can be aware of anything that might cause a problem.

In conclusion, if you think that you may forget what you physician has told you, you can always write it down or record the appointment for later referral. Do not be afraid to check around for a second opinion if you are not comfortable with the treatment that your doctor recommends or if you do not feel that he or she listened to your worries or questions.

About the Author:

Heart disease kills more people each year than all of the cancers combined. Learn more about the causes, effects and treatments of this epidemic problem at Heart Wellness.