Listen to Your Heart: Be Alert for Cardiovascular Disease Symptoms

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term for many conditions that can affect your heart. Knowing the difference between these conditions – and which symptoms they cause – can be important.

Talk to your primary care doctor or cardiologist with concerns and call 911 if you experience symptoms of heart attack or stroke. These are serious conditions that require immediate attention.

Here’s what else you need to know, based on a recent report from the American Heart Association.

Top symptom of heart attack: Chest pain that may move to the jaw, neck, back or arm

May also cause:

• Difficulty breathing
• Cold sweats
• Nausea

Top symptoms of stroke:

• Weakness or numbness throughout the body
• Difficulty speaking
• Confusion
• Dizziness

Symptoms of valve disease can vary depending on the valve affected.

Top symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Difficulty breathing

Top symptom of heart failure: Difficulty breathing

May also cause:

• Upset stomach or lack of appetite
• Fatigue

Conditions like atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter fall under this category.

Top symptom: Heart palpitations (an irregular or fast heartbeat)

May also cause:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness

Top symptoms of PAD:

• Leg pain when at rest
• Calf pain in one or both legs while walking