What Are the Signs of Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, affecting about one-fifth of Americans age 20 and older and causing more than 370,000 deaths per year. 

Despite how common it is, many people are unaware of its symptoms and the risk factors that can lead to coronary heart disease.

As a leading and trusted provider of cardiac care, Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute is committed to helping every patient understand the symptoms and risks associated with coronary heart disease, so they can seek treatment as early as possible. 

In this post, our team offers a quick overview of CHD to raise awareness of the disease and the steps you can take to protect your heart and your health.

Coronary heart disease: The basics

Also called coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease develops when your blood vessels aren’t able to transport the oxygen-rich blood your heart needs to function. 

Coronary artery disease can affect the larger arteries of your heart or the very tiny arteries inside your heart muscle tissue, a condition called coronary microvascular disease.

Coronary artery disease is often the result of a buildup of cholesterol-based plaques that cling to the artery walls. These plaques narrow the artery’s interior space, making it harder for blood to flow to your heart. 

Chronic inflammation also plays a role, damaging the inside walls of the arteries and making it easier for plaques to stick.

Coronary artery disease can have deadly consequences if not properly treated. The good news: Many people can prevent CAD and reduce their symptoms through heart-healthy lifestyle changes, sometimes accompanied by medication or other medical therapies.

Signs and symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of coronary artery disease is essential for making sure you seek care before serious and even life-threatening complications occur. 

Chest pain

Chest pain or discomfort is perhaps one of the most recognizable symptoms of coronary heart disease. Discomfort happens when reduced blood flow causes your heart to work harder or affects your heart function and circulation in other ways.

Also known as angina, chest pain can be persistent or intermittent, and it may also be accompanied by feelings of pressure or tightness in your chest. Angina symptoms often worsen with physical activity or emotional stress, sometimes radiating into your jaw, back, or arm. 

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is another common symptom of coronary heart disease and other types of heart disease, too. Once again, this symptom happens when your heart isn’t able to circulate blood efficiently. 

Many people experience shortness of breath during physical activity — even simple activities, like climbing stairs — but it can happen when you’re at rest, too.

Fatigue

Coronary heart disease can also cause persistent or chronic fatigue, thanks to the decrease in oxygen-rich blood reaching your heart, lungs, and other organs. Even minimal physical activity can make you feel tired, and typically, this type of fatigue doesn’t improve after a good night’s sleep.

Dizziness or fainting

Less oxygen-rich blood flowing to your heart may cause symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness. If blood flow to the brain is impaired, you might have fainting spells, as well.

Changes in heartbeat

Your heart depends on regular blood flow to support a normal heart rhythm. If heart disease affects that blood flow, you can wind up with changes in your heart activity, including fluttering sensations, palpitations, or the sensation that your heart is skipping beats.

Swollen feet or ankles

When the heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently, fluid can build up inside your tissues. This type of swelling can happen anywhere, but it’s most common in the feet and ankles, areas farthest from your heart.

Know your risk factors

In addition to learning the symptoms of coronary heart disease, you know your risk factors. Some of the most common risk factors for coronary heart disease include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Sedentary lifestyle

Coronary heart disease also tends to be more common among older people and those with a family history of heart disease.

Having a heart health evaluation is a good way to understand your unique and personal risk factors and to learn simple steps you can take to protect your heart and reduce your risk of CHD. 

To learn more or to schedule your evaluation, request an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, and Riverview, Florida, today.