How Heart Disease Presents

Because of the heart's vital role in pumping blood, heart trouble can wreak havoc on other parts of the body. Many people expect heart disease to involve dramatic symptoms such as crushing chest pain, but the signs can be much more subtle.

If you experience unexplained physical symptoms like those listed below, pay attention — your heart may be trying to tell you something.

Anxiety. Heart attacks and other forms of cardiovascular disease that reduce blood flow to the heart can trigger feelings of anxiety and panic. Panic attacks and heart attacks have very similar symptoms. However, the Cleveland Clinic says you can tell the difference based on the location of pain, how the chest pain presents, and the event's duration. While anxiety pain stays in the chest, heart attacks can radiate to the arm, jaw or neck. Chest pain during a cardiac event is described as "squeezing" pressure, but a panic attack comes with "stabbing" pain. A panic attack also usually lasts a few minutes and up to an hour, but a heart attack comes with waves of pain.

Circulation issues. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, poor circulation may cause effects all over the body. Peripheral arterial disease, for example, can cause weakness, skin that is cold to the touch and cramping in the legs and feet. Other cardiovascular diseases can cause swelling, pain, or numbness in the legs, ankles, feet or hands.

Cognitive impairments. Disease hinders the heart's ability to deliver a steady blood supply, impacting brain functions such as thinking and memory. If heart failure remains untreated, the heart becomes weaker, and what started as a mild mental impairment may progress to vascular dementia.

Dizziness. Heart failure and heart attack both reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to lightheadedness and mental confusion. The University of Michigan reports that memory problems and lack of language comprehension caused by this can prevent patients from communicating symptoms with their doctors.

Fainting. Passing out occurs when blood pressure drops dramatically; it is never normal and may be a sign of a heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia) or heart attack. The American Heart Association states that fainting due to low blood pressure, or syncope, most often occurs during hypotension, but it can also indicate bradycardia, tachycardia or other blood flow blockages.

Fatigue. Unusual tiredness can happen for many reasons, but heart problems are a well-known cause. For instance, fatigue can begin to appear months before a heart attack as an artery grows increasingly blocked. Fatigue can also be a warning sign of heart failure or heart rhythm disturbances such as atrial fibrillation.

Organ malfunction. When the heart is not functioning properly, other organs may be affected. For example, low blood pressure due to heart failure can cause chronic kidney problems. Heart illnesses can also impact the intestines and liver.

Persistent cough. A cough that worsens may be caused by fluid buildup in the lungs, a symptom of heart failure. This can indicate that your current medication isn't working effectively or that you may not be taking it as prescribed. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have a "heart cough."

Tingling limbs. A "pins and needles" sensation in the arms and legs can hint at an impending heart attack. Tingling in the feet and hands can indicate peripheral artery disease or a precursor to a stroke.

If you experience these symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.

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