Do You Know The Early Signs Of Heart Disease?

early-signs-of-heart-diseaseBeing diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia may be distressing, but the earlier it is caught, the earlier treatment can begin in order to prevent further cardiovascular damage. Unfortunately, many individuals who have FH miss the early signs of heart disease because they don’t recognize the earliest symptoms or they mistake them for the symptoms of other, less serious illnesses, often disregarding family history of heart disease. The common misconception that only older adults can have cardiovascular disease is also an issue.  

Don’t Miss the Early Signs of Heart Disease

There is a common misconception that minor pain or pain in various parts of the body does not indicate a heart problem. Some people are surprised to discover that not all heart attacks involve massive pain or a collapse that results in the need for an ambulance. In fact, some indicators are so insignificant that people overlook or dismiss them. If you have any of the symptoms below, you should see your doctor and ask him if they could be early signs of heart disease.

Angina

This painful condition is sometimes the precursor to cardiac arrest, although it can also recur for years without triggering any more serious signs. Angina is the most common early warning of cardiovascular disease and can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including a feeling of heaviness in the chest, pain, a squeezing sensation, weight on the chest or a deep pain that causes you to catch your breath. Many people mistake angina for heartburn or indigestion, particularly since the pain is sometimes felt in other areas of the body, including pain in the shoulder, the middle or upper region of the back or even the jaw line.  

Atherosclerosis

This is the narrowing or blocking of the major arteries due to the build-up of plaque from too much cholesterol. Years ago, it was referred to as hardening of the arteries. As the arteries become clogged, blood flow to and from the heart is restricted, forcing the heart to work harder. Most people first notice poor circulation that leads to difficulty keeping their hands and feet warm.

More Early Signs of Heart Disease

There are other indications of heart disease that may come and go for months or even years without an individual connecting them with any sort of serious problem such as cardiovascular illness. Among these are dizziness, shortness of breath after exertion or exercise, sweating, a rapid pulse and heart palpitations. Many people dismiss these signs if they are under fifty years of age, particularly if the symptoms come and go.  

A Family History of Early Heart Disease or Heart Attacks

If there are other close relatives in your family who are contending with heart disease in any form, it could be a sign of genetic familial hypercholesterolemia. If a parent, sibling or child has been coping with cardiovascular health problems, they and the rest of the family should be tested for FH.  

The Silent Signs of Heart Disease

For some people, the early signs of heart disease aren’t felt or heard, but are discovered as the result of testing of some kind. High cholesterol is one such symptom that can eventually lead to more serious, painful conditions after years of being a silent time bomb. Many health care organizations now recommend that if any man younger than 55 or any woman younger than 65 is diagnosed with heart disease, their immediate family members should be tested for high cholesterol and familial hypercholesterolemia because of the risk associated with a family history of heart disease..

Talk to your doctor if you or a member of your family shows any signs of early heart disease. Don’t disregard signs of early heart disease in women, no matter how unlikely they seem. Early detection and treatment can keep small health concerns from turning into major health issues. For additional support and resources, Become a Member of the Family Heart Foundation.

7 Responses to “Do You Know The Early Signs Of Heart Disease?”

  1. advancedcardiodr

    Thank you for sharing your valuable information.this information very useful for online learners
    signs of heart disease

    Reply
  2. Rebecca clarke

    I have one kidney..and just found out i have 2 kidney stones..very high blood pressure..anywhere from 150s 236/135 was the recent bp i just took.ben diagnosed with hpercholesterolemia, electrolytes 1100…on waiting list to Kansas city for getting blood cleaned out..i also had a heart cath done and have a 40%blockage..please help

    Reply
  3. Becca Holton

    It was a bit surprising to learn how indications of cardiovascular illness could come and go for months without an individual noticing. I feel like that’s a great reason why you shouldn’t go too long without getting a physical. I figure that allows and gives a person to ponder on their the state of their health.

    Reply
  4. John

    Angina sounds like a scary ailment. If I had a heaviness in my chest I’d go to the doctor. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death after all.

    Reply
  5. gemma

    Hello everyone. My dad died of heart attach at 53 and mum was diagnosed with angina the following year at 47. I have FH and have bad circulation in my arthritic knees and dark purple spots on the side of one knee have just appeared, also a horizontal dent in my thumb nail appeared in the last couple of days. I have a good healthy diet and plenty of dog walking exercise but am breathless. I also have arthritis in my hands, fibromyalgia and spondylosis, so pains in neck and shoulder. How would I know if I’m having a heart attack, if it were just a mild one? I have regular appointments for thyroid and diabetes (as they are also in the family).

    Reply
  6. Kate Hansen

    It really helped when you mentioned that a sign of it is if you have family members who have heart disease. My grandpa struggled with it and I was worried I would also struggle with it. I’ll definitely have to look into getting myself checked just in case I have any heart problems.

    Reply

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