Early symptoms of heart disease

Written by Xiao Chang Jiang
Cardiology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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How is heart disease diagnosed? What are its early symptoms? Actually, the concept of heart disease is very broad as it includes many diseases related to the heart. Generally, it refers to problems with the structure or function of the heart, or its inability to perform its pumping function. Its early symptoms can include chest tightness, chest pain, or a crushing feeling after activity, and some may even radiate to the back or the inside of the arms, even involving the shoulders, presenting symptoms like increased heart rate, palpitations, tinnitus, and breathing difficulties. All these are related to heart disease. But how can we determine what kind of heart disease it is? We believe that the first step is to visit a hospital for tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG), ambulatory ECGs, exercise stress tests, and other imaging tests including coronary CT and even coronary angiography. Of course, some biochemical tests are also necessary, such as myocardial enzymes, troponins, myoglobins, brain natriuretic peptides, immunological and biological tests, which all help to determine the nature of the heart disease. In summary, we must pay special attention to heart disease, and once these symptoms appear, we should seek medical attention promptly and early.

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Written by Xiao Chang Jiang
Cardiology
1min 24sec home-news-image

Early symptoms of heart disease

How is heart disease diagnosed? What are its early symptoms? Actually, the concept of heart disease is very broad as it includes many diseases related to the heart. Generally, it refers to problems with the structure or function of the heart, or its inability to perform its pumping function. Its early symptoms can include chest tightness, chest pain, or a crushing feeling after activity, and some may even radiate to the back or the inside of the arms, even involving the shoulders, presenting symptoms like increased heart rate, palpitations, tinnitus, and breathing difficulties. All these are related to heart disease. But how can we determine what kind of heart disease it is? We believe that the first step is to visit a hospital for tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG), ambulatory ECGs, exercise stress tests, and other imaging tests including coronary CT and even coronary angiography. Of course, some biochemical tests are also necessary, such as myocardial enzymes, troponins, myoglobins, brain natriuretic peptides, immunological and biological tests, which all help to determine the nature of the heart disease. In summary, we must pay special attention to heart disease, and once these symptoms appear, we should seek medical attention promptly and early.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
45sec home-news-image

Can a cardiac ultrasound detect thyrotoxic heart disease?

Cardiac ultrasound examinations cannot directly diagnose hyperthyroid heart disease, which often leads to an enlargement of the heart and a reduction in cardiac pumping function. Cardiac ultrasound can detect these structural changes in the heart caused by hyperthyroidism and can assess heart function, but it cannot determine if these are caused by an overactive thyroid. A combination of blood tests for thyroid function or a thyroid ultrasound is needed for a comprehensive diagnosis. If the thyroid ultrasound shows a rich blood flow in the thyroid region, appearing flame-like, or if the blood tests show a significant decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone, in conjunction with cardiac ultrasound, it can confirm the presence of hyperthyroid heart disease.

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Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Manifestations of Cor Pulmonale

Cor pulmonale refers to a disease characterized by changes in heart structure and function due to increased pulmonary vascular resistance caused by pathological conditions of the bronchi, lungs, thoracic cage, or pulmonary vessels, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. This condition is collectively known as cor pulmonale. The clinical manifestations of cor pulmonale generally develop slowly. Clinically, in addition to pulmonary and pleural symptoms, there gradually appear signs of pulmonary cardiac failure and damage to other organs. Common symptoms include coughing, expectoration, palpitations, dyspnea, fatigue, decreased endurance to physical activity. In the decompensated stage, symptoms such as worsening dyspnea, headaches, insomnia, decreased appetite, and even some signs of right heart failure like palpitations, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, nausea, and swelling of the lower limbs may occur.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
55sec home-news-image

Is congenital heart disease heart cancer?

Congenital heart disease primarily refers to the abnormal development of the heart and blood vessels during the fetal period, leading to cardiovascular malformations. It is the most common type of heart disease in children, with an incidence rate of about 6-8 per 1,000 live births. Generally, congenital heart disease refers to malformations during the development of the fetal heart. The exact causes of this condition are still not completely understood. However, actively preventing viral infectious diseases in the early stages of pregnancy and avoiding certain high-risk factors associated with the disease play a significant role in preventing congenital heart disease in children. It should be noted that congenital heart disease represents malformations in the development of the heart and is not a form of heart cancer, hence there is no terminology that describes it as such.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
54sec home-news-image

The difference between hyperthyroid heart disease and heart disease.

Heart disease includes all phenomena of heart dysfunction caused by various reasons, which can collectively be referred to as heart disease. This includes arrhythmias, heart failure, and changes in the cardiac vessels, such as coronary heart disease, coronary artery bridging, and congenital heart disease, all of which are termed heart disease. Hyperthyroid heart disease, on the other hand, is caused by a long period of uncontrolled or untreated hyperthyroidism, leading to changes in heart function and structure. It manifests as palpitations, panic, and severe decline in heart function. It is merely one type of heart disease, representing the changes in the heart caused by hyperthyroidism, and is just a small category of heart disease.