Heart disease is used to describe a number of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system in the body. While some of conditions can be detected at birth, others affect blood vessels and the rhythm. It is important to understand what is heart disease and its symptoms to facilitate early detection which minimizes risks associated with the condition.

The most common cardiovascular conditions are blocking and narrowing of blood vessels. These conditions lead to pain, heart attacks and stroke in some cases. Conditions affecting the rhythm, valves and cardiovascular muscles are also captured in this category. Good lifestyle choices can prevent the severity of these conditions.

The systems that are manifested depend on the condition affecting the patient. Stiff, blocked or narrow muscles and blood vessels lead to poor supply of blood to crucial organs like the brain. This will lead to such signs as nausea, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. It is worth noting that the symptoms may vary depending on whether it is a woman or a man who is affected.

Cardiovascular defects can be identified through numbness and weakening feet. The most common cause of cold feet is narrow blood vessels. You should report to the doctor in case you experience pain on such areas as the neck, throat, jaw and abdomen. Most patients will be diagnosed with heart failure and attack, angina and stroke before the doctor can detect cardiovascular conditions.

Abnormal heartbeats are fast, slow or irregular. They indicate a condition that should raise concern. The symptoms are fluttering of the chest, a racing heartbeat, chest pains and discomfort and lightheadedness. Dizziness and fainting or near fainting are the other signs that should cause alarm.

Congenital defects are conditions in children and can be detected at birth. Some of the signs to be observed include short breath during an activity or exercise, swollen ankles, feet and hands as well as getting tired easily. Most of them are not an immediate threat to life but should be given medical attention to ensure that the child develops normally. They easily get complicated when not corrected in good time.

The causes of weak cardiovascular muscles include stiffness or thickness of the muscles or vessels. It might not be easy to detect the signs at an early age but these signs will become clear as the condition worsens. You are likely to observe dizziness, swollen legs, feet and ankles as well as shortness of breath at rest or with exertion. The head feels light and the patient may occasionally faint.

Infections affecting the cardiovascular system require medical attention. They affect surrounding and connected muscles, membranes and tissues. A patient will display particular symptoms depending on the condition he or she is suffering. The common ones are weakness, fatigue, short breath, dry and persistent cough, unusual spots and skin rashes.

The damage caused by valvular diseases leads to narrow, leaking or improper closing of the chambers. The affected chamber and level of attack will determine the difference in symptoms. The most common ones are chest pains, fainting, fatigue and shortness of breath.

The symptoms that should raise alarm are fatigue, fainting, short breath and chest pains. It is advantageous for these conditions to be detected early to facilitate treatment and reduce the level of exposure to risk. If your family has a history of cardiovascular diseases, you should discuss your concerns with the doctor to minimize your chances of having an attack.