Signs of Heart Problems |
Difficulties in Diagnosing the Signs of a Heart ProblemLess than 1 out of 5 heart problems are discovered before symptoms present themselves. The signs of heart problems are not always noticeable. They can be very subtle and hard to detect. For some people, the condition can decline so slowly that it's barely evident, creeping up on them over time. At first, signs of heart problems are unusual changes in heart rates, angina pain, collapsing from exhaustion after heavy physical exercise or sports related activities. The two most common heart problems are coronary artery disease (CAD) and idiopathic cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle without a known cause). Most kinds of heart problems are associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), coronary artery disease (the buildup of plaque in the arteries of the heart), high cholesterol, and heart valve disease. If your heart problems are more severe, it is time to see a cardiologist. Many heart problems are not evident simply by listening to your heart with a stethoscope. If they are always present, they may be found by an EKG. Some heart problems are not there all of the time and therefore might not appear in EKG results. In a case where a heart problem is suspected but not detected on the EKG, a halter type monitor may be beneficial. Some heart problems are simpler to find when your heart is working harder and beating faster. People who are found to have a problem with their heart should wear a medical alert bracelet and to go to the hospital if they experience chest, back or abdominal pain. |