Heart problems bring a variety of symptoms with them. Often, these symptoms can include chest pain, pressure or tightness; shortness of breath; heart palpitations; arm, neck, or jaw pain; nausea; fatigue, and swelling in the legs. Sometimes these symptoms are vague and mild but can still indicate poor heart health. Fortunately, our cardiology team has experience in sorting out these symptoms to help you know if your heart is healthy. We have several in-office diagnostic tests at our disposal to help us answer these important questions about your heart health.
If you’re experiencing heart-related symptoms, do not ignore them. Call us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations. We will work with you to create a personalized care and treatment plan and give you peace of mind regarding your heart. Let us help you feel better.
Chest pain can be described in many ways, especially when related to the heart. Patients often describe heart-related chest pain as a tightness, heaviness, or pressure regularly associated with exertion, but it can also occur at rest. The pain or discomfort can radiate to the neck, shoulder, arms, jaw, back (between the shoulder blades), or upper stomach. It’s also common to experience heartburn sensations. Frequent heart-related chest pain is associated with shortness of breath. These types of pains are referred to as angina.
Heart palpitations are noticeable heartbeats that feel like fluttering, pounding, or racing in the chest. Heart palpitations can signal heart rhythm problems or a heart condition that requires treatment. Some heart rhythm problems can be dangerous, while others are benign.
Pain in your legs when walking or exercising may indicate a decrease in blood flow to the muscle of your legs. Several conditions can cause this to occur, including heart problems or blockage in the arteries of your legs. Often this pain will resolve with resting but returns when you start walking or exercising again. This pain can be in the calves, thighs, or buttocks.
Leg swelling occurs when fluid backs up in the tissues of the leg. This can be very uncomfortable and make it difficult to walk or perform your daily activities. This fluid retention is often the result of heart failure or vascular problems in the legs.
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is when you have difficulty breathing, trouble catching your breath, or feel like you cannot take a deep breath. This can happen when exerting or at rest. You may also experience trouble breathing when you lay down. Though there are many reasons why you may experience shortness of breath, it is commonly related to a heart problem even if you do not experience chest pain or discomfort.
Pain in your legs when walking or exercising may indicate a decrease in blood flow to the muscle of your legs. Several conditions can cause this to occur, including heart problems or blockage in the arteries of your legs. Often this pain will resolve with resting but returns when you start walking or exercising again. This pain can be in the calves, thighs, or buttocks.
Heart of Dixie Cardiology is a specialty subset of the Revere Health group. We have over a dozen cardiology providers throughout our locations to give you the specialized heart care that you deserve.
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