The manifestations of heart disease are variable and produced by different causes, such as when the body or brain does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients (eg, excess fatigue, pain, dizziness, shortness of breath); part of the heart is deprived of oxygen (eg chest pain); an abnormal accumulation of fluids occurs in some parts of the body (eg swelling of the feet).

Each heart disease has its own symptoms, but many have similar symptoms. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the heart disease.

Coronary artery disease (coronary artery disease)

Coronary artery disease (coronary artery disease) does not necessarily cause symptoms in its early stages, but its progression is accompanied by narrowing and then obstruction of the arteries and the most common symptoms are:

• chest pain or discomfort;
• shortness of breath;
• increased heart rate;
• dizziness;
• nausea.

If you feel any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. Some of these symptoms can also signal the onset of a heart attack. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 or the local emergency services number.

Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

The nature of the symptoms of an arrhythmia depends on the type and severity of the arrhythmia and the health of your heart.
Here are some of the symptoms of arrhythmias:

• dizziness;
• fainting
• shortness of breath;
• fatigue;
• fast, slow, very strong, or irregular heartbeat.

If you find experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or get medical attention right away.

Heart failure

Symptoms of heart failure include:

• shortness of breath, especially when you lie down
• fatigue;
• swelling of the ankles, feet or legs;
• a cough;
• sudden weight gain;
• decreased appetite.

If you know any of the symptoms of heart failure, contact your doctor. In case your symptoms are severe, get immediate medical attention.

Valvular heart disease

Symptoms of valvular heart disease are when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood or when it is not getting enough blood to the body. Among the most common symptoms of valvular heart disease are:

• chest pain;
• extreme fatigue;
• a feeling of light-headedness;
• shortness of breath;
• swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands.

Heart muscle disorders (cardiomyopathies)

Many symptoms of a heart muscle condition are similar to those of other heart problems. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a condition of the heart muscle, and you should contact your doctor or get medical attention right away:

• shortness of breath;
• fatigue;
• swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands.

Congenital heart disease

When a heart disease is said to be congenital, it means that it is already present at birth. Symptoms of congenital heart disease include:

• shortness of breath or rushed breathing;
• a heart murmur;
• difficulty feeding babies or difficult weight gain;
• bluish discoloration of the lips or nails;
• fatigue, especially during activity.

If your baby or child has any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Keep in mind that heart disease will not cause everyone to have the same symptoms with the same severity. Some people will not be aware that they have heart disease until symptoms appear which will begin the steps leading to a diagnosis.