Heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and coronary heart disease are all common types of heart diseases. Each of these kinds of heart disease presents in different ways and requires specialized treatment. However, they also share a few commonalities that tell you it is time to go see your doctor. If you experience some of the signs and symptoms of heart disease, it is vital that you are properly diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, heart disease remains one of the greatest killers in the Western world, and you must learn to recognize the signs and symptoms so that you don't become the next victim.

Coronary Artery Disease:

The signs and symptoms for coronary artery disease usually include angina, which is experienced as chest pain. Most people who have angina say it feels like a heaviness, discomfort, aching, pressure on that chest, that is squeezing and painful and makes the chest area feel full. It is easily confused for heartburn or indigestion, however, and can also be felt in the back, jaw, throat, neck, arms, or shoulders. Some other common symptoms include sweating, nausea, dizziness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Heart Attacks:

Heart attacks are medical emergencies that must be addressed immediately. The signs and symptoms of heart disease in this case include:

– Having a feeling of discomfort that radiates to the arm, throat, jaw, or back

– Having a feeling of pain, heaviness, pressure, or discomfort below the breastbone, in the arm, and/or in the chest

– Having a feeling of indigestion, fullness, or choking that is very much like heartburn

– Experiencing dizziness, vomiting, nausea, or sweating

– Feeling extremely week and anxious and experiencing shortness of breath

– Having irregular and/or rapid heartbeats

Usually, when people have a heart attack, they experience symptoms for around half an hour or more, and they find no improvement by taking oral medication or by resting. Usually, the symptoms start as no more than mild discomfort, but they quickly become more pronounced. It is also possible for people to suffer a heart attack without realizing it, which is known as the "silent" heart attack. This is most common in those who have diabetes.

It should be pointed out that a heart attack is a real medical emergency. Whether you are experiencing it yourself, or a loved one presents with the signs and symptoms, you must call 911 without delay. If left untreated, a heart attack can be fatal and even those who survive it often have significant damage to the heart as a result of the attack.

Arrhythmia:

The signs and symptoms of heart disease for this particular condition are:

– Palpitations

– Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

– A pounding in the chest

– Shortness of breath

– Fainting

– Discomfort in the chest

– Fatigue

– General weakness

These are the most common signs and symptoms of heart disease that people need to be aware of. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, don't delay in seeking medical help. The more quickly you are treated, the less long term damage will be incurred.