Presence of heart problems and their symptoms. What happens to the body during a heart attack? How to understand if there are heart problems

Every year, heart disease kills up to 18 million people of all ages. The lion's share of these deaths could be prevented if the impending problem was noticed early and sought medical attention.

Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Heart failures are often disguised as a slight ailment or body peculiarities. Here is a list of not always obvious symptoms that indicate possible diseases hearts.

People over 60 years of age, as well as those who are overweight, have diabetes, hypertension or high level cholesterol.

Chest discomfort

It is impossible to clearly describe the feeling. Some people feel slight pain, some feel pressure or tightness, others complain of burning or tingling. In any case, if you occasionally feel something unusual in your chest, you need to contact your doctor and get a referral for an electrocardiogram and ultrasound of the heart.

This is how diseases of the vessels supplying our main organ with blood, or a developing heart attack, make themselves known.

If the pain is severe and lasts longer than a few minutes, call an ambulance immediately.

The good news is that 80-90% of chest pain is not related to the heart. But to make sure of this, it is better to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Loss of appetite, nausea, pain or heaviness in the stomach

Of course, indigestion can occur for many reasons that have nothing to do with the heart. However, sometimes digestive problems are caused by the fact that the digestive system receives less blood than usual. And worsened blood flow is a sign of poor heart function.

If you feel nauseous for no apparent reason, and especially if you experience chest discomfort and other symptoms from this list, a visit to a therapist is a must!

Pain radiating to left arm

The nerves coming from the heart and the nerves coming from the left arm send signals to the same area of the brain. As a result, the brain does not always correctly understand what exactly hurts - the heart or the limb.

If you overexerted left hand during training, hit it or simply swung it unsuccessfully, discomfort completely predictable. But if severe pain occurs for no apparent reason, this is a cause for alarm. Doctors call it a classic symptom of a heart attack.

The American Heart Association recommends calling an ambulance if sudden pain in your left arm does not go away or gets worse within a few minutes.

If the sensation is more temporary but familiar, be sure to visit your doctor.

Pain in the teeth or lower jaw

Another example when the brain is not able to accurately identify what exactly hurts - the heart or the teeth. Fortunately, in most cases, tooth or jaw pain has a relatively benign origin: tooth decay, or you have strained your jaw, or you have been blown away. But if there seems to be no reason, and your teeth ache regularly, you should check with a cardiologist.

In clinical practice, there have been cases where people had tooth after tooth removed in an attempt to relieve them of pain, which was actually a sign of heart problems.

Brief dizziness or a feeling of disorientation

There are many reasons that can cause instant weakness. For example, you haven’t eaten for a long time. Or they got up from the couch too quickly after sitting for a long time.

But if such sensations occur regularly, try to see a doctor as soon as possible. They say that the heart cannot cope with pumping blood to the brain. This may be a symptom of an impending stroke.

Constant fatigue

A weak heart cannot provide adequate blood circulation. Because of this, organs and tissues begin to experience a deficiency of nutrients and oxygen. To survive, the body reduces blood supply to less important organs - primarily the limbs, and directs blood to more important ones - the heart, brain, lungs.

It becomes difficult for you to perform usual actions - for example, you don’t have the strength to take a shower, it’s hard to wash the dishes, it seems incredibly difficult to climb the stairs. And even rest does not bring cheerfulness.

If this situation is familiar to you and has been going on for several days or longer, consult a cardiologist so as not to miss growing heart problems.

Swelling of the legs

Due to impaired blood circulation in the limbs, lymph flow is disrupted - the removal of fluid from tissues. The legs especially suffer from this, fluid accumulates under the skin, and swelling appears.

If swelling of the legs has become your constant problem, consultation on this topic with a therapist or cardiologist is mandatory.

Persistent cough

In most cases, a cough is a common accompaniment of a cold. But if you successfully got rid of it a couple of weeks ago, and this symptom does not go away, this is a clear indication to consult a doctor.

A prolonged cough can be a companion to allergies or bronchitis. But sometimes it is also provoked by heart failure, which impedes the outflow of moisture from the lungs.

A characteristic sign of a “heart” cough is the release of pinkish or white mucus. If you notice something like this, run to a cardiologist!

Unreasonable shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is the first sign that there is little oxygen in the blood. The most common cause is physical activity. Muscles need a lot of oxygen to work, and they literally suck it out of the blood. To compensate for this loss, the brain tells the lungs to breathe faster.

Excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and being in a stuffy room can also lead to shortness of breath. But if such a symptom appears for no apparent reason and more often than before, and especially if it is accompanied by constant fatigue, chest discomfort and other signs from our list, it’s definitely time for you to see a cardiologist.

There is a serious possibility that the lack of oxygen is caused by worsened blood circulation, in turn caused by disturbances in the functioning of the heart.

Loud snoring

If you snore too loudly, it could be a sign of apnea - a brief stop in breathing during sleep.

Apnea has a devastating effect on the cardiovascular system. Firstly, it leads to hypoxia of the heart muscle. Secondly, apnea increases the risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure), which further impedes the functioning of a person's main organ. As a result, an overloaded cardiovascular system can fail at any time.

Unfortunately, heart problems can appear not only in adults - every year, cases of cardiac abnormalities are becoming more common in infancy and childhood. Even careful and scrupulous observation during pregnancy and compliance with all recommendations of the obstetrician-gynecologist does not guarantee a favorable cardiac anamnesis for the unborn baby - ultrasound diagnostics cannot always reveal minor abnormalities that will indicate the presence of problems, therefore 100% exclude cases of congenital anomalies in the heart area impossible. And acquired problems with the cardiovascular system are not at all uncommon in modern pediatrics: frequent colds, sore throats, flu and other seemingly completely unrelated diseases can put a serious strain on the heart muscle, causing all sorts of abnormalities in children.

Therefore, it is extremely important to determine in time how well the baby’s heart is working and, at the slightest suspicion of a violation, seek help from an experienced cardiologist in order to eliminate the possibility of serious anomalies. What to look for when assessing the functioning of a child’s cardiovascular system? What symptoms are considered “alarm bells” indicating a heart problem? The basics of self-diagnosis of children's cardiac disorders will help you understand these exciting questions.

Risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiac problems in infants

Heart diseases can occur on their own - it is not at all necessary that they be preceded by any disorders. However, you should be especially wary if the following situations were observed in the anamnesis during the mother’s pregnancy and in infancy:

The presence of chronic diseases in the mother. Pregnancy is a huge stress for a woman’s body, so it is not surprising that during these 9 months everything, even hidden problems, worsen. Such pathologies affect not only the well-being of the expectant mother, but also the developmental characteristics of the child, and one of the first to suffer is the cardiovascular system.

Infectious processes during pregnancy. A heavy viral load directly affects the fetal heart, so expectant mothers should be careful during seasonal illness and when in contact with sick people, especially in the first trimester, when the baby’s organs are developing and forming.
Mother's bad habits. Drinking alcohol, drugs, or smoking while carrying a baby can be a “trigger” for the development of heart problems, so all negative effects should be eliminated - only in this way can the likelihood of having a healthy baby be increased.
Difficult birth. Heart problems in newborns associated with complications during childbirth reach 40% of the total number of cases. Moreover, it is quite difficult to insure against such a turn of events: the only thing that can be done is to regularly visit a gynecologist, undergo all routine examinations and properly prepare for the process of childbirth.
Poor environmental situation. Statistics show that children living in polluted industrial areas are much more likely to develop heart disease than their peers from rural areas.
Social environment. Babies from intrauterine life begin to feel the stress and nervous shocks happening around them. If an unfavorable psychological situation reigns in the family, the mother experiences stress during pregnancy, and then the newborn, it is not surprising that the baby will subsequently face heart ailments.

Any negative emotion, tension and negativity affect the baby’s sensitive vessels, so the primary task of parents is to eliminate all irritating factors that can provoke cardiac disorders.

Signs indicating congenital heart disease

Babies who have just been born cannot yet complain of characteristic pain in the chest, attacks of arrhythmia and other symptoms accompanying childhood heart pathologies. However, attentive parents and experienced pediatricians can recognize the presence of problems by characteristic features that will be observed in the baby:

Low weight gain. Many congenital anomalies of the cardiac system manifest themselves primarily as a delay physical development, the most obvious factor of which is adequate weight gain. If a child, with adequate nutrition in the first months of life, gains less than 400 grams, looks lethargic, weakened and emaciated, you should urgently visit a cardiologist - in this case, only a thorough examination will help confirm or refute the worrying diagnosis.

Blueness of the skin. Poor blood supply to peripheral vessels and various vascular anomalies lead to low oxygen supply to the skin, which is why it acquires a pronounced violet-bluish tint. Cyanosis can cover the entire body, or it can manifest itself only in the most sensitive areas (nasolabial triangle, on the lips, under the nails, etc.), but in any case, if you notice such a symptom, it is worth checking the condition of the child’s heart.
Dyspnea. The frequency and depth of breathing will also help to recognize cardiac problems. If the baby breathes superficially, shallowly and frequently, but does not have respiratory or cold diseases, it is worth paying attention to the cardiovascular system - in some cases this is how cardiac disorders manifest themselves.

Tachycardia. The most obvious sign that helps to understand whether a baby has abnormalities in the functioning of the heart is heart rate (heart rate). Normally, the pulse of a newborn up to 3 months varies between 100-150, decreasing to 90-120 beats per minute by six months. By measuring this indicator over time, you can evaluate how well the heart copes with the function assigned to it.
Fast fatiguability. If the baby sucks sluggishly, shows no interest in food, looks tired and does not want to move actively (naturally, in accordance with age standards), you should think about an upcoming visit to the pediatrician. This behavior may be characteristic feature the child’s psychotype, and may indicate the presence of heart problems.
Heart murmur. During the examination, each pediatrician must listen to the work of the heart and blood vessels to exclude the presence of murmurs and other pathological sounds. At the slightest suspicion of pathology, echocardiography is prescribed, which can more thoroughly determine the nature of the noise that has arisen. Organic sounds help recognize serious developmental defects, while functional sounds indicate rapid growth body, so they should not frighten parents.

Symptoms of diseases of the cardiovascular system in children of preschool and school age

Older children can already tell their parents what unpleasant sensations bother them, so it becomes easier to understand whether the cardiovascular system is working normally. In this case, cause for concern may be:

Discomfort, pain in the chest area. If a child complains that he has pain behind the sternum, feels heaviness and pressure, you should definitely contact a cardiologist. Do not forget that the child cannot yet clearly formulate his sensations: some say that there is aching in the chest, others describe the pain as a burning sensation, others complain of heaviness and discomfort, and it can manifest itself both under load and in a state of absolute rest. Therefore, for any of possible problems vigilance is necessary.

Stomach problems. Children often confuse heart pain with stomach upsets. If the baby complains of heartburn, bloating, nausea, and attacks occur quite often and are not associated with a change in diet, this can serve as an indicator of cardiac pathology.
Frequent attacks of dizziness. In principle, weakness and dizziness are absolutely not associated with vascular abnormalities - perhaps the child simply ate poorly or reacted too violently to a change in weather. However, frequently recurring cases, especially those that last for a long time or are accompanied by fainting, should alert attentive parents - this may indicate that the heart cannot cope with the blood supply to the body.

Pain radiating to the left arm. This symptom indicates serious and protracted heart problems, which, however, occur not only in adults, but also in children. If discomfort affects the sternum, left shoulder and arm, you should urgently sound the alarm.
Cold sweat. Severe sweating is most often associated with decreased immunity, but if cold, sticky sweat appears for no apparent reason, you can suspect a child with heart problems.
Snore. Normally, a child should not make loud noises while sleeping. If he snores, snores or whistles, but nasal breathing is not difficult, perhaps you should pay attention to the state of his cardiovascular system, undergo additional examination and tests.

Coughing. Most often, cough syndrome accompanies colds, but if the virus is defeated, and the cough does not want to go away, it is worth considering whether the lungs receive enough oxygen - such a condition may be directly related to cardiac or vascular abnormalities.
Swelling. The appearance of edema is more typical for adults who are accustomed to eating poorly, but in children this symptom is a clear sign of ill health. If the heart does not pump blood as intensively as the growing body requires, fluid begins to stagnate in the limbs, which leads to swelling.
Fatigue. Usually one can only envy the amount of children’s energy - little “energizers” are ready to jump, run and gallop around the clock. If the baby refuses outdoor games, suffers from shortness of breath or weakness even with little physical activity and tries in every possible way to avoid activities that require a certain activity, it’s worth thinking about - is this a feature of his character or an alarming symptom?

Diseases associated with cardiac activity occupy one of the leading positions among childhood pathologies. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the heart from infancy, carefully monitor its health and, at the slightest suspicion, visit the attending physician - such prudence can save you from more serious cardiac disorders!

Pathology of the cardiovascular system is the leading cause of premature mortality in the population. Diseases have a branched classification. Therefore, it is important to have an idea of the main pathologies that claim the lives of thousands of people every year.

The main criterion characteristic of many cardiac pathologies is shortness of breath. Its peculiarity is that it is not related to the execution physical activity and can manifest itself even at night. The symptom occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood into the pulmonary circulation. As a result of this deficiency, the lips and nasolabial triangle become bluish.

Redness of the tip of the nose is another sign that appears even at the beginning of the development of the disease.

When cardiac pathology occurs, patients develop swelling of the lower extremities. The heart cannot cope with the high load, due to which the fluid stagnates in the legs and does not rise through the vessels.

Hidden signs

Signs of heart problems begin to appear long before the full onset of the disease. Characteristic symptoms for a diseased heart are:

Feeling of constant lack of air in the lungs.
Chest pain. Most often, the patient confuses chest pain with heartburn or muscle spasm, without seeking medical help.
Constant fatigue, lethargy - most often occurs in females who, due to their busyness, do not pay any attention to it.
Decreased sexual activity or the manifestation of erectile dysfunction - occurs in men due to the development coronary disease hearts.
The appearance of snoring during sleep and insomnia also indicate the development of hidden symptoms of pathology of the cardiovascular system.
Edema, as a hidden sign of the disease, is early stages The onset of cardiac pathology appears in the afternoon, so the patient, if he detects them, considers this to be the result of fatigue and a hard day at work.

The first signs of coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a disorder that occurs due to a lack of oxygen for the myocardium to function normally. The main clinical signs of IHD are:

Burning pain behind chest. The properties of the pain are pressing and bursting in nature. The pain occurs in paroxysms, subsides temporarily and returns with renewed vigor. The pain can radiate under the left shoulder blade, shoulder and to the left side of the lower jaw.
Weakness, lethargy throughout the body - these symptoms of a diseased heart are characteristic of developing coronary artery disease.
Shortness of breath - the problem begins to arise from performing small loads, gradually developing into a constant one, tormenting the patient.
Increased sweating.
Rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia, angina attacks.

If you experience symptoms of heart problems, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible. The sooner you resort to therapeutic measures, the less likely it is to develop more serious complications. Treatment of heart disease should be strictly under medical supervision to prevent the occurrence of serious situations such as myocardial infarction.

Types of cardiovascular pathologies

Conventionally, all diseases of the heart can be divided into several types, which differ in location, symptoms and pathological processes affecting the functioning of the organ:

Atherosclerotic heart disease is caused by the development of a disease that occurs due to the accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries and veins, gradually blocking the vessel. The causes of this pathology may be obesity, smoking, and increased thrombus formation.
Rheumatic disease is the most common type of pathology in which the heart valve ceases to perform its intended function.
Coronary heart pathology. This disease is associated with lack of blood circulation. It is caused by a low supply of oxygen to the muscular part of the heart and the occurrence of atrophy of its walls.
Bovine heart disease is also a common disease in which the organ enlarges significantly, reaching a size 2-3 times its normal size.

Each type includes a large number of diseases that determine the location of the pathological process and symptoms.

Most common heart diseases

Pathologies of the main organ are caused by its insufficient work, due to the influence of external and internal influences. Today, the most common diseases of the heart system are:

Arrhythmia is the absence of rhythm in the muscular part of the heart.
Arterial hypertension or hypotension is high or low blood pressure.
Coronary heart disease is a disease of the muscular part of the organ associated with insufficient oxygen saturation of the blood.
Angina is a sudden pain in the chest that occurs due to insufficient blood circulation in the muscular layer of the heart.
Myocardial infarction is necrosis of the muscular wall of an organ.
Congenital heart defects are anatomical changes in structure.
Rheumatic diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Diseases of the arteries of the heart.

These diseases require immediate therapy, which is aimed not only at treating symptoms, but also affects the cause of the pathological process.

Heart failure and ischemic heart disease

Coronary heart disease is a disease that occurs due to damage to the muscle layer of the organ. This category includes angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, which characterize the main pathological processes that provoke poor formation of the heart muscle. IHD is a consequence that causes the onset of the spread of acute pathology if signs of a diseased heart are not detected in a timely manner and treatment is not started. Before heart failure develops, ischemia dominates the muscular wall of the organ for a long time.

Heart failure is a disease in which the arteries of the heart are unable to pump a stable volume of blood into the bloodstream due to low muscle strength in the organ. This situation occurs against the background of untreated ischemic heart disease and is a complication of a long-term ischemic condition.

If treatment for coronary artery disease is not started in a timely manner, heart failure develops. It is necessary to detect and treat ischemia in time to prevent the appearance of more serious pathologies in the muscles of the main organ.

Inflammatory processes in the heart

The main inflammatory processes occurring in the organ are endocarditis, myocarditis and pericarditis. These pathologies can be rheumatic or non-rheumatic, depending on the part of the heart that is affected. They can be infectious or non-infectious.

With endocarditis, the inflammatory process is localized in the inner wall of the organ - the endocardium. The main clinical signs of the pathology are heart murmurs when listening, then - symptoms of circulatory failure of the main organ.

Myocarditis is inflammatory disease, arising in the muscular wall of the heart (myocardium). This disease is caused by such clinical symptoms as enlargement of the main organ, shortness of breath, tachycardia, arrhythmia and circulatory disorders. Objectively, the ECG with this pathology shows a change in the T wave.

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the outer membranes of the organ. This pathology is caused by two directions of the disease. The dry type of the disease is clinically accompanied by persistent pain in the heart, which has a dull, aching character. Objectively, when listening, a friction rub of the pericardium is noted. Exudative – causes shortness of breath at rest, patients are in a forced position, heart sounds are muffled, coronary insufficiency occurs and an increase in the size of the organ.

Only specialists know how to properly treat an inflamed heart. Nutrition in the treatment of these diseases is based on limiting the consumption of salty and fatty foods; if the inflammation is infectious, patients are given a prescription for antibacterial drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ortofen, Indomethacin tablets), glucocorticoids (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone). .

Heart defects

Heart disease is an anomaly that is a consequence of changes in the anatomical structure of the organ, valves and large vessels; there is an interruption in the supply of blood to tissues. Defects can be congenital or acquired.

Congenital heart defects are abnormalities that form in the fetus in the womb. The reasons for the development of these pathologies can be illnesses during pregnancy, taking illegal drugs and harmful substances during pregnancy, as well as heredity and poor environmental conditions.

Acquired defects form after a person has suffered other heart diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, or injury to the heart muscle.

Depending on the location of the pathological area, there are:

Valve defects - when the functioning of a valve in the heart is impaired (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary).
Defects of the heart septa – interventricular and interatrial.

Diagnosis of congenital defects begins with a complete examination of the pregnant woman. A woman undergoes ultrasound screening 3 times during pregnancy. A newborn baby is also subject to testing immediately after birth. The basis for diagnosing acquired heart disease is constant medical examination of people (age does not play a role). It includes ultrasound, auscultation and echocardiography.

In the early stages of heart defects, the most effective method treatment – surgical, in which the development of the disease is eliminated or alleviated by surgical methods. Therapy for late stages of defects is aimed at maintaining the condition using conservative methods. In this case, a medicine is prescribed to eliminate the symptoms.

Diagnosis of cardiac diseases

Diagnostics allows you to monitor the functioning of the heart system. Constant monitoring makes it possible to identify such ailments in the early stages and avoid complications. The main methods for recognizing heart disease are:

auscultation of the heart;
percussion;
palpation;
echocardiography;
stress tests;
velergometry;
X-ray of the heart;
coronary angiography.

It is necessary to undergo examinations by a cardiologist at least once a year. This will not only avoid the occurrence of advanced stages of the disease, but also maintain health for many years. Treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, without using any traditional methods.

The heart is the motor that controls the entire body. To be cured of pathological processes in a timely manner means to improve health and increase life expectancy. Prevention is also a great way to prevent heart disease.

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Health

Ecology, unhealthy diet, bad habits, daily stress, fast pace modern life and lack of proper rest wear out the heart.

It is not surprising that the incidence of heart disease is increasing every year. Moreover, it is heart pathologies that occupy first place among the causes of deaths.

However, many heart problems can be avoided if they are diagnosed in time. And for this it is important not to miss those first “bells” that will tell us that the heart is working hard. They will be discussed further.

1. Prolonged cough

In most cases, cough is one of the symptoms of a cold or flu. But if the cough does not go away within a month, despite the use of cough suppressants and expectorants, this may indicate heart problems.

The cough in heart failure is dry and irritating, and most often it appears in the evening, especially when lying down, although it can also bother you during the day.

In addition, pink, frothy mucus may be produced when you cough.

2. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is one of the important signs of heart failure.

On initial stages cardiac shortness of breath is a concern only after intense physical or emotional stress. But as the pathology progresses, even a 10-minute walk causes a feeling of acute lack of air.

If shortness of breath torments you even at rest, especially when lying down, which is why you are forced to sleep in a sitting or semi-sitting position, if you have difficulty breathing in a well-ventilated area, urgently Make an appointment with a therapist or cardiologist.

Read also: 6 unusual signs of heart disease that are visible on your nails, eyes and ears

3. Snoring and sleep apnea

Do you wake up at night from your own snoring? Does your breathing stop for 5 to 10 seconds during sleep? Don't ignore these symptoms that indicate heart problems.

Snoring and night apnea (this is what short-term cessation of breathing during sleep is called) lead to hypoxia of the heart muscle, which 3 times increases the risk of developing heart attack!

4. Pain syndrome

Pain between the shoulder blades and in the neck, radiating to the left arm, shoulder and even jaw, often accompanies heart disease.

Pain syndrome can occur both after physical or emotional stress, and without any reason.

The pain can be squeezing, dull or sharp. In addition, the patient complains of a burning sensation in the chest, against which a fear of death may develop.

Pain that is localized in the chest area and does not go away after taking cardiac nitrate-containing drugs deserves special attention. Such pain may be a sign of developing myocardial infarction.

Any pain in the chest and heart should be a reason to visit a cardiologist, as it may indicate angina pectoris, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, aortic aneurysm, or pericarditis.

Read also: Famous cardiac surgeon: what actually causes heart disease

5. Chronic fatigue

A weak heart is not able to provide adequate blood circulation, as a result of which the cells and tissues of the body experience a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients, which leads to the development of chronic fatigue.

If the feeling of weakness and fatigue is your constant companion, if even a long rest does not bring you a feeling of vigor, if you are physically unable to perform usual activities (for example, take a shower or cook breakfast), this may indicate disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

6. Headache

Throbbing headache, concentrated in the temples and tormenting mainly in the morning time, may be a consequence of high blood pressure.

In turn, hypertension can become a trigger in the development of serious heart diseases, including stroke and heart attack.

7. Nausea and loss of appetite

One of the symptoms of chronic heart failure is loss of appetite, accompanied by abdominal pain and flatulence.

In addition, people with heart disease often experience nausea after taking even small quantity food.

Important! Brief attacks of intestinal colic often become harbingers of a heart attack.

8. Dizziness and loss of consciousness

Jumps in blood pressure combined with poor circulation lead to the following symptoms:

sudden dizziness
pre-fainting state,
short-term fainting.

The listed signs may precede a stroke, so they should never be ignored.

Read also: Top 10 myths about heart disease

9. Frequent urination

Nocturnal diuresis is a sign of chronic heart failure.

The volume of urine excreted increases at night due to increased blood supply to the kidneys (during the day, the body intensively supplies the heart and brain with blood, the activity of which decreases significantly at night).

10. Pale and blue skin

Malfunctions of the heart lead to the fact that this organ is not able to transport blood in full to all organs and systems of the body. Lack of blood supply causes the skin to become unnaturally pale.

This symptom is observed in the following pathologies:

anemia,
vasospasm;
rheumatism,
aortic valve insufficiency.

In chronic cases of heart failure, lips may turn pale or acquire a bluish tint.

If the mitral valve is malfunctioning, the cheeks will turn bluish-red or purple.

With hypertension, the nose changes, becoming red, lumpy, with capillaries appearing on the surface of the skin.

Health

Don't ignore these signs. They may indicate that your heart is not working properly.

Heart disease is one of the most common diseases in the world and one of the leading causes of death.

Very often the body gives signals that something is wrong with some organ. It is important not to miss clues indicating heart problems.

A weak heart is a heart that does not pump blood as efficiently. Unfortunately, a person may not notice symptoms for a long time, and discovers the problem too late.

What signs may indicate heart weakness or heart failure?

Symptoms of heart failure

One of the most common signs of heart failure is fatigue.

If you have a weak heart, we may feel tired even when relaxing at home. As you walk and do daily activities, you may feel even more exhausted.

One of the reasons why people with heart failure feel constantly tired is problems with blood circulation.

A weak heart cannot pump blood effectively to all the organs and muscles of the body. They do not receive enough nutrition and oxygen, hence the fatigue.

The average person can walk at a brisk pace for 20 minutes without taking a breath.

Someone with a weak heart can walk without being out of breath for less than 10 minutes.

Shortness of breath, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night, should alert you. In medicine this phenomenon is called paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and is a classic symptom of a weak heart.

When a person has a weak heart, blood circulation to the peripheries of the body is impaired. Fluids begin to seep and accumulate under the skin, especially noticeable on the legs. This happens because gravity pulls the liquid down.

Swelling is usually observed in both legs. It may disappear in the morning and reappear in the evening.

A slight swelling of the legs in itself is not dangerous. But if the condition worsens and the swelling increases, you may have difficulty walking. Edema is usually treated with diuretics, which remove excess fluid from the body.

Fluid accumulation may not be limited to just the legs. Fluid can also accumulate in the lungs, which can cause difficulty breathing and coughing.

This cough can be persistent and annoying. Some people notice that the cough lasts throughout the day, while for others it occurs only when lying down.

Sometimes the cough may be accompanied by the discharge of pink, frothy mucus. It is also worth paying attention to wheezing, which is often mistaken for an allergic cough.

In any case, if you have a long, persistent cough, this is already a reason to consult a doctor.

Signs of heart failure

A person with a weak heart often loses appetite or interest in food. The explanation may be due to the fact that fluid in the stomach gives a feeling of fullness and interferes with normal digestion.

It is worth noting that loss of appetite does not always indicate a weak heart and there are many other diseases that are characterized by weak appetite.

When the heart does not work properly, men most often experience pain in the left arm, while women may experience pain in one or both arms. Moreover, many women reported unusual shoulder pain shortly before their heart attack.

This is because heart pain travels through the spinal cord, where pain receptors and many other nerve endings are located. The brain may confuse these sensations and cause pain in one or both arms.

Several studies have shown that people who suffer from anxiety from an early age are more likely to develop coronary heart disease.

Anxiety itself can be a symptom of many diseases and arise due to stress, frequent panic attacks, severe phobias and other disorders.

Constant anxiety can lead to tachycardia and high blood pressure, which over time leads to coronary heart disease.

It is worth noting that people who are born with pale skin do not necessarily suffer from heart disease.

However, if the skin becomes unusually pale, it may indicate decreased blood flow due to a weak heart that is unable to pump blood properly throughout the body. Tissues, not receiving sufficient blood supply, lose color.

Often a person may turn pale due to shock, which occurs when there is insufficient blood circulation. It is for this reason that people suffering from a heart attack or heart failure turn pale.

People who suffer from eczema or shingles have an increased risk of developing heart disease.

Thus, researchers found that patients with eczema suffered from hypertension in 48% of cases, and high cholesterol in 29% of cases. At the same time, shingles increases the risk of heart attack by 59%.

An elevated heart rate often indicates a weak heart. This is because the heart is working as hard as it can, which further wears out the heart muscle.

Imagine a horse pulling a cart. If the horse is weak and fragile, it will be able to pull the cart to the maximum of its capabilities, but for a short distance, and after that its strength will run out.

The same can happen with a weak heart, which is why it is so important to consult a doctor in time for timely treatment.