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Heart disease is an umbrella term describing various problems with the heart. Many conditions contribute to heart disease, which is the number one killer of both men and women worldwide. The signs and symptoms can be categorized based on their causes.
Heart Arrhythmias
Heart disease caused by irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) is characterized by lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, racing heart or chest fluttering.
Heart Defects
Sometimes heart disease is caused by defects in the heart. Symptoms include tiring easily, shortness of breath, fluid in the heart or lungs and swelling of the extremities.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy, or a thickening of the heart muscles, can be detected in individuals with swelling (fluid) in the abdomen and/or extremities, fatigue, dizziness and irregular heartbeat.
Infections
Heart disease can also result from infections in the heart. In these cases, individuals might show signs such as fever, changes in heartbeat patterns, weakness, persistent cough or a skin rash.
Valve Damage
The heart has four valves, and damage to a valve is a cause of heart disease. Some signs of valve damage are fatigue, swollen feet or ankles, chest pain and irregular heartbeat.
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