Report outlines most common symptoms of 6 cardiovascular diseases

If the American Heart Association incompetently doesn't know that stroke is now considered a neurological disease NOT a cardiovascular disease that say mountains about their fucking lack of competence. (You're that fucking out-of-date that you missed that

(stroke has been called neurological disease by the WHO since 2006)

instead of CVD? And you're still employed in the medical field?)

Report outlines most common symptoms of 6 cardiovascular diseases

Date:

August 18, 2022

Source:

American Heart Association

Summary:

A 'state of the science' review details the most reported symptoms of 6 cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): heart attack, heart failure, valve disease, stroke, heart rhythm disorders, and peripheral artery and vein disease (PAD and PVD). There are important differences in symptoms between women and men. Depression, common across many CVDs, may influence a person's ability to detect changes in symptoms. Effective methods of monitoring and measuring symptoms over time are critical to manage cardiovascular disease well and prevent or delay its progression.

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FULL STORY

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A review of the latest research highlights the most reported symptoms of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), noting that men and women often experience different symptoms, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in the Association's flagship peer-reviewed journal, Circulation.

The statement also highlights how symptoms are experienced over time, which may be months or years apart depending on the condition, and on a spectrum of severity or intensity, noting the long-term nature of cardiovascular disease development. The scientific statement writing committee reviewed current research on the symptoms of different cardiovascular diseases. They found that symptoms vary over time and by sex.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and around the world. It comprises several conditions, including 6 reviewed in this scientific statement: heart attack, heart failure, valve disease, stroke, heart rhythm disorders, and peripheral artery and vein disease.

"Symptoms of these cardiovascular diseases can profoundly affect quality of life, and a clear understanding of them is critical for effective diagnosis and treatment decisions. The scientific statement is a 'state of the science' compendium detailing the symptoms associated with CVD, similarities or differences in symptoms among the conditions, and sex differences in symptom presentation and reporting," said Chair of the scientific statement writing committee Corrine Y. Jurgens, Ph.D., R.N., A.N.P., FAHA, an associate professor at Boston College's Connell School of Nursing.

Measuring symptoms -- what is important?

Due to their subjectivity, measuring symptoms is difficult. Symptoms may go unrecognized or unreported if people don't think they are important or related to an existing health condition. In addition, symptoms may occur without changes in disease progression, and disease state may also progress without symptoms.

"Some people may not consider symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbance, weight gain and depression as important or related to cardiovascular disease," said Jurgens. "However, research indicates that subtle symptoms such as these may predict acute events and the need for hospitalization. A broader definition of what constitutes an 'important' symptom is warranted."

Some symptoms are common and well-recognized across many types of cardiovascular diseases, while other symptoms are uncommon. For example, chest pain is the most common and recognizable symptom of a heart attack. Less familiar symptoms, however, include shortness of breath, fatigue, sweating, nausea and lightheadedness.

"Establishing a baseline symptom profile for an individual and tracking symptoms over time may be helpful to detect changes and any progression of symptoms," Jurgens said.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel to the brain is blocked or bursts and typically causes recognizable symptoms that prompt emergency help. To recognize stroke symptoms requiring immediate medical attention, the American Stroke Association recommends everyone remember the acronym F.A.S.T. for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1. Other symptoms of stroke are confusion, dizziness, loss of coordination or balance and visual changes. Recognizing stroke symptoms is critical since immediate treatment may help prevent or reduce the chance of long-term disability or death.

Women experiencing a stroke are more likely than men to have other, less familiar symptoms in addition to the common ones. These symptoms include headache, altered mental state, coma or stupor. A stroke may also impair thinking, which may, in turn, impact the individual's ability to recognize new or worsening symptoms.

After a stroke, some symptoms may linger and require continued care whether these symptoms require rehabilitation or become disabilities. Post-stroke screening should include assessment for anxiety, depression, fatigue and pain. Post-stroke pain may take months to develop, with most reports occurring at 4-6 months after a stroke.