What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart. These conditions can include diseased blood vessels, heart rhythm problems and heart defects you are born with. Heart disease can affect the heart muscle and valves.
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
Symptoms can differ between men and women.
- Men often report chest pain or pressure.
- Women may have subtle symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, or pain in the jaw, neck or back.
- Both men and women can experience the classic sign of chest pain or discomfort.
Contact your doctor if you notice symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or unexplained pain in the arm, back, neck or jaw.
How is heart disease diagnosed?
Several tests can be used to determine if you are at risk or have heart disease, including:
- Blood tests to check cholesterol and other markers.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) to record the heart’s electrical activity.
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound) to take moving pictures of the heart and valves
- Stress tests to see how your heart handles physical activity.
- Ambulatory heart monitoring (a device you wear for a day or more to record your heart rhythm).
- Cardiac CT scans (imaging tests of your heart).
- Heart catheterization to check how well your heart is working
How is heart disease treated?
Heart disease is treated with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medications or procedures:
Lifestyle changes
- Eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in saturated and trans fats, sugar and sodium.
- Get regular physical activity on most days of the week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking if you smoke.
- Lower and manage stress with techniques like deep breathing, meditation or counseling.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure or cholesterol, prevent blood clots or control heart rhythms. The medications you need depend on your specific condition.
How can you care for yourself after a heart diagnosis?
If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, you can take steps to support your heart health:
- Eat a lower sodium, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Stay active by exercising regularly.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
- Get enough sleep.
- Manage stress through techniques that work for you, such as relaxation exercises or talking with a counselor.
- Keep up with check-ups and follow your doctor’s advice for controlling conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Hospitals, clinics, and groups such as the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offer extra support, education and programs.
Heart disease: When to call
Call 911 right away if you experience sudden severe symptoms like crushing chest pain or trouble breathing.
Call your healthcare provider if you have ongoing symptoms that might suggest heart disease (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, swelling in your legs, or unexplained pain in the arm, back, neck or jaw).
Staying informed, taking preventive steps and seeking help promptly can make a big difference in managing heart disease. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.
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