Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from coronary heart disease, a potentially fatal illness. When plaque accumulated in the arteries of the heart,  blood flow is restricted or blocked. Some of the warning signs of coronary heart disease are less obvious than chest discomfort or an actual heart attack. In this article, we will explore nine subtle symptoms that Could indicate coronary heart disease.

Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease

Remember always pay attention to your physical health and see a doctor if you face any concerning symptoms mentioned bellow.

Fatigue

Being exhausted or tied without any reasonable cause may be an indicator of coronary heart disease. Fatigue may occur because the heart needs to work harder to pump blood through the constricted arteries.

Shortness of Breath

If you find yourself short of breath during any physical activity or even at rest it could indicate heart disease. Lack of oxygen in the body and shortness of breath might result from the heart’s inability to pump enough blood through constricted arteries.

Chest Discomfort

Although chest pain is a common sign of coronary heart disease, some people may just feel discomfort in their chests rather than actual pain. It’s easy to confuse the pain you’re feeling in your chest for anything else, like heartburn or a pulled muscle.

Neck or Jaw Pain

Unusual pain or discomfort in the jaw or neck area may indicate coronary heart disease. Sometimes, dizziness or nausea can accompany the referred pain from the heart that might spread to these locations, particularly in women.

Shoulder or Arm Pain

Pain or discomfort in the left arm or shoulder is another symptom of coronary heart disease, similar to jaw and neck pain. The severity and duration of this discomfort vary greatly. It is crucial to be checked out by a doctor if you face such symptoms.

Digestive Problems

Symptoms of nausea, indigestion, heartburn, and stomach discomfort have been reported in people with coronary heart disease (CHD). These are classic signs of coronary artery disease, but people commonly mistake them for gastrointestinal issues.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

If the heart isn’t sending enough blood to the brain, you can feel like you’re about to faint. Seek emergency medical help for these symptoms followed by chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Excessive Sweating

Excessive, unwarranted sweating, particularly cold, clammy sweats, might be an indication of coronary heart disease. Sweating is the body’s way of regulating temperature and compensating for diminished blood flow.

Anxiety

Some people with CHD have sensations of fear, worry, or unexplainable unease. This symptom may be a sign of heart disease, but it is typically disregarded or overlooked.

Causes of Coronary Heart Disease

Understanding the root causes of CHD is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Therefore, in this article, we will explore some of the important risk factors for CHD.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of cholesterol, fatty deposits, and other materials on coronary arteries. Most commonly on inner walls. It is the common cause of CHD.  Blood flow to the heart might be stopped when these deposits accumulated and form plaques over time.

High Level of Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels in the blood, particularly LDL ( low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, may have a role in the onset of coronary heart disease (CHD). Plaques formed in the arteries from deposits of LDL cholesterol have earned it the reputation of being “bad” cholesterol. Cholesterol levels and the risk of CHD can be managed with a nutritious diet low in saturated and trans fats and frequent exercise.

High BP

Constant high BP place extra pressure on the artery walls, especially the coronary artery walls. In the long run, this may harm the artery walls, leading to the development of plaques and an increased chance of CHD. Preventing coronary heart disease requires careful attention to blood pressure through lifestyle modifications like nutrition, exercise, and stress management.

Use of Tobacco

Fourthly, tobacco use is a major contributor to the development of coronary heart disease. Tobacco smoke contains noxious compounds that may harm the lining of blood arteries, increase the pace at which plaques develop, lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and increase the risk of blood clots. One of the best methods to lower your risk of coronary heart disease is to give up smoking.

Diabetic Condition

People with diabetes have an enhanced risk of CAD. Damage to the blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries, and the progression of atherosclerosis are both made more by the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. To prevent or treat coronary heart disease, it is crucial to keep blood sugar levels under control through effective treatment of diabetes.

Sedentary Lifestyle

The sixth risk factor for coronary heart disease is a sedentary lifestyle, which includes not engaging in any kind of regular physical exercise. Regular exercise is beneficial for heart health since it aids in the management of weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) may be greatly reduced by participating in aerobic exercises of moderate intensity like cycling, swimming, or walking for around 150 minutes every week.

Obesity

In addition to excessive blood pressure, diabetes, and abnormal levels of cholesterol, obesity is a major contributor to CHD risk. Atherosclerosis and heart disease are both exacerbated by being overweight, especially around the waist. The risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) may be lowered by adopting a balanced eating plan and adding frequent physical exercise.

Family History

An individual’s chance of having coronary heart disease is increased if there is a history of the illness in their family. It is crucial to be aware of the elevated risk and to take proactive actions to reduce any modifiable risk factors if you have a family history of CHD.

Conclusion

The development of life-threatening conditions like cardiac arrest or heart failure may be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease. These nine less obvious signs may or may not point to coronary heart disease, but they should still be taken carefully and addressed with a doctor. Prevention and proper therapy of coronary heart disease need an awareness of its causes. Risk factors for CHD include smoking, high BP, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, diabetes, inactivity, obesity, and a family history of CHD. A person’s risk of developing coronary heart disease can be lowered through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle by increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, quit smoking, keeping cholesterol and BP levels in check, and keeping an eye on overall cardiovascular health. In addition, keeping an open line of contact with medical specialists and being checked often is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Keep in mind that a healthy heart and a lower chance of having consequences from coronary heart disease may result from taking proactive efforts to minimize risk factors. It’s important to pay attention to your body and take preventative measures to protect your heart.

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