Symptoms of cardiovascular disease

Usually there are no symptoms of cardiovascular disease. They are silent up until the situation is so severe that e.g. a heart attack, a stroke or angina (chest pain) happens. This is one of the reasons cardiovascular diseases are so dangerous.

/static/themes-v3/default/images/default/info/maladie/intro.jpg?1516194360

Coronary artery disease can express itself in several ways. It is associated with the narrowing of the heart’s arteries as a result of atherosclerosis. 

When the arteries narrow, the heart may become deprived of oxygen. In this case, a type of pain in the chest known as “angina” or “angina pectoris” can occur. Angina can be stable, in which case the characteristics of the pain (the conditions under which it occurs, the onset threshold, its intensity, and its duration...) will stay the same over time. Coronary heart disease is a chronic condition. 

When one or more coronary arteries are completely blocked, then a heart attack will occur. This is officially known as a “myocardial infarction” or “acute coronary syndrome”. Patients will then feel a range of different symptoms: 

- Pain, dizziness or tightness in the chest when there is physical exertion or intense emotion;
- Pain in the middle of the chest, sometimes on the left, sometimes around the shoulder blade, the left arm, the neck, the throat or the jaw;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Breathlessness;
- Cold sweats and clammy skin

When people have heart attacks, they experience dizziness, and collapse. They can still be saved if the appropriate first aid techniques are used. The chances of survival are greater if the first aid is administered quickly. 

Ischaemic heart disease can be silent

Sometimes, ischaemic heart disease of a coronary nature can be silent. This condition occurs in the elderly, in patients with psychiatric disorders, and in diabetics who do not feel pain. The damage occurs without the patient realising it.

Last updated: 30/07/2017

avatar Carenity Editorial Team

Author: Carenity Editorial Team, Editorial Team

The Carenity Editorial Team is made up of experienced editors and specialists in the healthcare field who aim to provide impartial and high quality information. Our editorial content is proofread, edited and... >> Learn more

Cardiovascular diseases on the forum

See the forum Cardiovascular diseases

Newsfeed - Cardiovascular diseases