About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Heart Damage
Introduction
The heart is a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. When it becomes damaged, it can lead to severe health complications, including heart failure, arrhythmias, or even sudden cardiac arrest. Recognizing the symptoms early can be crucial for timely medical intervention.
Common Symptoms of Heart Damage
1. Chest Pain (Angina)
- A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or discomfort in the chest.
- Can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
- May occur during physical activity or emotional stress.
2. Shortness of Breath
- Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion or while lying down.
- Can be a sign of heart failure or fluid buildup in the lungs.
3. Fatigue and Weakness
- Persistent tiredness, even after rest.
- Can indicate reduced cardiac function, failing to deliver enough oxygen to tissues.
4. Swelling (Edema)
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.
- Caused by fluid retention due to poor heart function.
5. Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
- Palpitations or fluttering sensation in the chest.
- May indicate abnormal electrical activity in the heart.
6. Dizziness or Fainting
- Can be linked to inadequate blood supply to the brain.
- Might be due to arrhythmia or heart valve disease.
7. Persistent Cough or Wheezing
- Chronic cough producing pink or white mucus.
- Sign of fluid accumulation in the lungs due to heart failure.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, seek immediate medical evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent severe complications.
Conclusion
Heart damage manifests in various ways, from chest pain to shortness of breath and fatigue. Understanding these symptoms and seeking medical intervention promptly can improve outcomes and prevent more serious complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines on the Management of Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2022/03/29/19/53/2022-AHA-ACC-HFSA-Heart-Failure-Guideline-gl-hf
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22611136/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.