Heart disease is a condition that tends to cause symptoms as the heart’s ability to get oxygen-rich blood is affected. There is some evidence that suggests that heart disease may present differently in women than men. For example, women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal discomfort, and pain in one or both arms.
Typical heart disease symptoms are usually experienced by men, and men usually have a higher risk of heart disease than women, owing to lifestyle factors and medical conditions that increase their risk for it.
Let us talk about some of the most common heart disease symptoms in men.
8 Heart Disease Symptoms in Men
- Chest pain: Heart disease can cause chest pain, as the arteries struggle to supply the heart with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood.
- Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without chest pain and is often worse with activity or when lying down flat, and is caused by blood backing up and fluid building up in the lungs, which makes breathing normally difficult.
- Pain in other areas of the upper body: A common symptom of heart disease in men includes pain or discomfort in one or both arms, jaw, neck, and back. Pain in the chest can radiate to other parts of the body.
- Nausea and vomiting: The lack of blood flow to the digestive system can cause nausea, difficulty eating, and vomiting. However, these symptoms are often associated with a heart attack and should be treated as a medical emergency.
- Fatigue: Many men with heart disease report feeling tired all the time, even when they get enough sleep. Heart disease can make it difficult for your heart to pump blood effectively, which can lead to fatigue. Additionally, heart disease can damage your arteries and reduce the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches your organs and tissues. This can also cause fatigue.
- Dizziness/lightheadedness: A drop in blood pressure can cause these symptoms, which may also be accompanied by fainting spells (syncope). One reason is that when the heart isn’t pumping as efficiently, blood flow to the brain can be reduced, causing lightheadedness. Additionally, plaque buildup in the arteries can cause narrowing of the arteries and decreased blood flow to the brain, again leading to lightheadedness and fainting.
- Swelling (edema): Heart failure can cause fluid to build up in your legs, ankles, and feet. One reason is that when the heart isn’t pumping as efficiently, fluid can back up into the lungs and cause congestion and difficulty breathing. This can also lead to fluid retention and swelling in other parts of the body, such as the legs, ankles, and feet.
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): An irregular heartbeat is any change from your normal heartbeat rhythm that lasts for more than a few seconds, which is also due to the heart not getting oxygen-rich blood. It can be described as a fluttering feeling in the chest.
Heart disease symptoms are usually felt over time, whereas a heart attack is a symptom that comes on suddenly. Anyone experiencing heart disease symptoms should see a cardiologist to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
Cardiologist in Boca Raton, FL
Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute has two board-certified interventional cardiologists who offer you the most comprehensive and cutting-edge treatments for cardiac conditions. We help our patients with heart disease live healthier and fuller lives through personalized preventative measures.
At Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute, we empower you to take better care of your heart. To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, call our clinic today at (561) 235-5621 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
