Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease depend on the specific condition and its severity. The most common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and swelling in the legs or abdomen.
Chest pain (angina) is one of the hallmark signs. It may feel like pressure, tightness, or burning in the chest and often occurs during physical activity or emotional stress. Angina typically subsides with rest.
Shortness of breath can indicate heart failure or blocked arteries. It may occur during exertion, when lying flat, or even at rest in severe cases. Breathlessness during sleep (orthopnoea) or waking up gasping (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea) also suggests heart strain.
Fatigue and weakness are common, especially in heart failure. The heart’s reduced pumping ability results in less oxygen reaching the muscles, leading to tiredness during everyday tasks.
Palpitations — a sensation of fluttering or irregular heartbeats — may be caused by arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others are life-threatening.
Swelling (oedema) in the feet, ankles, or abdomen can be a sign of fluid retention due to poor circulation. Weight gain from fluid build-up is also common in advanced heart failure.
Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease
Other symptoms include:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Cold or numb extremities (linked to peripheral artery disease)
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or vision problems (in strokes)
- Nausea or light-headedness, especially in women during heart attacks
Because symptoms of cardiovascular disease may be subtle or attributed to other causes, it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen. Early intervention can prevent severe outcomes and improve quality of life.
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