Recognizing the Signs of Heart Disease: The Importance of Awareness for Health

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, and it is important for the general public to recognize the signs of heart disease to prevent more serious complications. In this article, we will discuss the signs of heart disease to watch out for and how to deal with them.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

Heart disease can present with a variety of symptoms, but some of the most common signs are:

  1. Chest Pain
    Description Severe chest pain or pressure, sometimes radiating to the neck, jaw, arms, or back. This pain is often a classic symptom of heart disease.[1][2]
  2. Hard to breathe
    Description Shortness of breath accompanied by cold sweats and weakness. This is because the heart's function as a blood pump is disrupted and the blood supply to the lungs is blocked.[2][3]
  3. Swollen Ankles
    Description of fluid accumulation in the ankle area can indicate a problem with heart health. This is often caused by the spread of fluid from body tissues to the lungs.[2]
  4. Cold Sweat
    Description Cold sweats and feeling tired easily. These symptoms indicate a disturbance in heart function that triggers the body's response to produce excessive sweating.[1][3]

Additional Symptoms

In addition to the main symptoms above, there are several additional symptoms to watch out for:

  1. Left Chest Pain: Sharp or stabbing pain in the left chest, sometimes radiating to the arm or jaw.
  2. Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting, especially accompanied by severe chest pain.
  3. Weakness and Dizziness: Feeling weak and dizzy suddenly, even without physical activity.
  4. Palpitations: A rapid heartbeat or palpitations, which can be felt as an irregular heart rhythm.

How to Overcome Heart Disease

To overcome heart disease, you can take the following steps:

  1. Check Your Health Regularly
    Get regular health checkups to monitor your heart condition. Your doctor may perform an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or blood test to detect early heart problems.
  2. Avoid Risk Factors
    Avoid risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Regular physical activity can help improve stamina and reduce stress.
  3. Stress Management
    Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to manage mental stress.
  4. Consumption of Nutritious Food
    Eat nutritious foods rich in vegetables, fruits, and essential proteins. Avoid foods high in saturated fat and salt.
  5. Contact Medical Services Immediately
    If you experience symptoms of heart disease, contact medical services immediately! In this case, we, Grha Kedoya Hospital, provide 24-hour Emergency services, especially for heart attack patients or cardiac polyclinic services for patients with cardiovascular disorders.

Thus, recognizing the signs of heart disease is very important to prevent more fatal complications. Remember that heart health is a very valuable investment in life.

Article written by dr. Ike Adriana, SpJP, Subsp.KI(K), FIHA (Heart and Blood Vessel Specialist, Interventional Cardiology Subspecialist, EMC Grha Kedoya & EMC Pulomas Hospital).