Heart disease symptoms depend on the type of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease in the blood vessels Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition that affects the major blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the heart arteries are usually the cause of coronary artery disease. The buildup of these plaques is called atherosclerosis (ath-ur-o-skluh-ROE-sis). Atherosclerosis reduces blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. It can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Coronary artery disease symptoms may be different for men and women. For instance, men are more likely to have chest pain. Women are more likely to have other symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea and extreme fatigue. Symptoms of coronary artery disease can include:  Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina) Shortness of breath Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area or back Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood vessels in those body areas are narrowed  You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery disease until you have a heart attack, angina, stroke or heart failure. It's important to watch for heart symptoms and discuss concerns with your health care provider. Heart (cardiovascular) disease can sometimes be found early with regular health checkups.  What is coronary artery disease? A Mayo Clinic cardiologist explains. Stephen Kopecky, M.D., talks about the risk factors, symptoms and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Learn how lifestyle changes can lower your risk.     What is coronary artery disease? A Mayo Clinic cardiologist explains. Stephen Kopecky, M.D., talks about the risk factors, symptoms and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Learn how lifestyle changes can lower your risk.      Show transcript for video What is coronary artery disease? A Mayo Clinic cardiologist explains.  {Music playing} Stephen Kopecky, M.D., Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic: I'm Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. In this video, we'll cover the basics of coronary artery disease. What is it? Who gets it? The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself or someone you love, we're here to give you the best information available. Coronary artery disease, also called CAD, is a condition that affects your heart. It is the most common heart disease in the United States. CAD happens when coronary arteries struggle to supply the heart with enough blood, oxygen and nutrients. Cholesterol deposits, or plaques, are almost always to blame. These buildups narrow your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even a heart attack. CAD typically takes a long time to develop. So often, patients don't know that they have it until there's a problem. But there are ways to prevent coronary artery disease, and ways to know if you're at risk and ways to treat it. Who gets it? Anyone can develop CAD. It begins when fats, cholesterols and other substances gather along the walls of your arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis. It's typically no cause for concern. However, too much buildup can lead to a blockage, obstructing blood flow. There are a number of risk factors, common red flags, that can contribute to this and ultimately lead to coronary artery disease. First, getting older can mean more damaged and narrowed arteries. Second, men are generally at a greater risk. But the risk for women increases after menopause. Existing health conditions matter, too. High blood pressure can thicken your arteries, narrowing your blood flow. High cholesterol levels can increase the rate of plaque buildup. Diabetes is also associated with higher risk, as is being overweight. Your lifestyle plays a large role as well. Physical inactivity, long periods of unrelieved stress in your life, an unhealthy diet and smoking can all increase your risk. And finally, family history. If a close relative was diagnosed at an early age with heart disease, you're at a greater risk. All these factors together can paint a picture of your risk for developing CAD. What are the symptoms? When coronary arteries become narrow, the heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Remember, unlike most pumps, the heart has to pump its own energy supply. It's working harder with less. And you may begin to notice these signs and symptoms of pressure or tightness in your chest. This pain is called angina. It may feel like somebody is standing on your chest. When your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, you might develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue during activities. And if an artery becomes totally blocked, it leads to a heart attack. Classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing, substernal chest pain, pain in your shoulders or arms, shortness of breath, and sweating. However, many heart attacks have minimal or no symptoms and are found later during routine testing. How is it diagnosed? Diagnosing CAD starts by talking to your doctor. They'll be able to look at your medical history, do a physical exam and order routine blood work. Depending on that, they may suggest one or more of the following tests: an electrocardiogram or ECG, an echocardiogram or soundwave test of the heart, stress test, cardiac catheterization and angiogram, or a cardiac CT scan. How is it treated? Treating coronary artery disease usually means making changes to your lifestyle. This might be eating healthier foods, exercising regularly, losing excess weight, reducing stress or quitting smoking. The good news is these changes can do a lot to improve your outlook. Living a healthier life translates to having healthier arteries. When necessary, treatment could involve drugs like aspirin, cholesterol-modifying medications, beta-blockers, or certain medical procedures like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. What now? Discovering you have coronary artery disease can be overwhelming. But be encouraged. There are things you can do to manage and live with this condition. Reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, quitting tobacco, eating healthier, exercising and managing your stress can make a world of difference. Better heart health starts by educating yourself. So don't be afraid to seek out information and ask your doctors about coronary artery disease. If you'd like to learn even more about this condition, watch our other related videos or visit Mayoclinic.org. We wish you well.   Show transcript for video What is coronary artery disease? A Mayo Clinic cardiologist explains. Show transcript for video What is coronary artery disease? A Mayo Clinic cardiologist explains.  {Music playing} Stephen Kopecky, M.D., Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic: I'm Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. In this video, we'll cover the basics of coronary artery disease. What is it? Who gets it? The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself or someone you love, we're here to give you the best information available. Coronary artery disease, also called CAD, is a condition that affects your heart. It is the most common heart disease in the United States. CAD happens when coronary arteries struggle to supply the heart with enough blood, oxygen and nutrients. Cholesterol deposits, or plaques, are almost always to blame. These buildups narrow your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even a heart attack. CAD typically takes a long time to develop. So often, patients don't know that they have it until there's a problem. But there are ways to prevent coronary artery disease, and ways to know if you're at risk and ways to treat it. Who gets it? Anyone can develop CAD. It begins when fats, cholesterols and other substances gather along the walls of your arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis. It's typically no cause for concern. However, too much buildup can lead to a blockage, obstructing blood flow. There are a number of risk factors, common red flags, that can contribute to this and ultimately lead to coronary artery disease. First, getting older can mean more damaged and narrowed arteries. Second, men are generally at a greater risk. But the risk for women increases after menopause. Existing health conditions matter, too. High blood pressure can thicken your arteries, narrowing your blood flow. High cholesterol levels can increase the rate of plaque buildup. Diabetes is also associated with higher risk, as is being overweight. Your lifestyle plays a large role as well. Physical inactivity, long periods of unrelieved stress in your life, an unhealthy diet and smoking can all increase your risk. And finally, family history. If a close relative was diagnosed at an early age with heart disease, you're at a greater risk. All these factors together can paint a picture of your risk for developing CAD. What are the symptoms? When coronary arteries become narrow, the heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Remember, unlike most pumps, the heart has to pump its own energy supply. It's working harder with less. And you may begin to notice these signs and symptoms of pressure or tightness in your chest. This pain is called angina. It may feel like somebody is standing on your chest. When your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, you might develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue during activities. And if an artery becomes totally blocked, it leads to a heart attack. Classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing, substernal chest pain, pain in your shoulders or arms, shortness of breath, and sweating. However, many heart attacks have minimal or no symptoms and are found later during routine testing. How is it diagnosed? Diagnosing CAD starts by talking to your doctor. They'll be able to look at your medical history, do a physical exam and order routine blood work. Depending on that, they may suggest one or more of the following tests: an electrocardiogram or ECG, an echocardiogram or soundwave test of the heart, stress test, cardiac catheterization and angiogram, or a cardiac CT scan. How is it treated? Treating coronary artery disease usually means making changes to your lifestyle. This might be eating healthier foods, exercising regularly, losing excess weight, reducing stress or quitting smoking. The good news is these changes can do a lot to improve your outlook. Living a healthier life translates to having healthier arteries. When necessary, treatment could involve drugs like aspirin, cholesterol-modifying medications, beta-blockers, or certain medical procedures like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. What now? Discovering you have coronary artery disease can be overwhelming. But be encouraged. There are things you can do to manage and live with this condition. Reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, quitting tobacco, eating healthier, exercising and managing your stress can make a world of difference. Better heart health starts by educating yourself. So don't be afraid to seek out information and ask your doctors about coronary artery disease. If you'd like to learn even more about this condition, watch our other related videos or visit Mayoclinic.org. We wish you well.  {Music playing} {Music playing} Stephen Kopecky, M.D., Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic: I'm Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. In this video, we'll cover the basics of coronary artery disease. What is it? Who gets it? The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself or someone you love, we're here to give you the best information available. Stephen Kopecky, M.D., Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic: Coronary artery disease, also called CAD, is a condition that affects your heart. It is the most common heart disease in the United States. CAD happens when coronary arteries struggle to supply the heart with enough blood, oxygen and nutrients. Cholesterol deposits, or plaques, are almost always to blame. These buildups narrow your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even a heart attack. CAD typically takes a long time to develop. So often, patients don't know that they have it until there's a problem. But there are ways to prevent coronary artery disease, and ways to know if you're at risk and ways to treat it. CAD CAD Who gets it? Anyone can develop CAD. It begins when fats, cholesterols and other substances gather along the walls of your arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis. It's typically no cause for concern. However, too much buildup can lead to a blockage, obstructing blood flow. There are a number of risk factors, common red flags, that can contribute to this and ultimately lead to coronary artery disease. First, getting older can mean more damaged and narrowed arteries. Second, men are generally at a greater risk. But the risk for women increases after menopause. Existing health conditions matter, too. High blood pressure can thicken your arteries, narrowing your blood flow. High cholesterol levels can increase the rate of plaque buildup. Diabetes is also associated with higher risk, as is being overweight. Your lifestyle plays a large role as well. Physical inactivity, long periods of unrelieved stress in your life, an unhealthy diet and smoking can all increase your risk. And finally, family history. If a close relative was diagnosed at an early age with heart disease, you're at a greater risk. All these factors together can paint a picture of your risk for developing CAD. CAD CAD What are the symptoms? When coronary arteries become narrow, the heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Remember, unlike most pumps, the heart has to pump its own energy supply. It's working harder with less. And you may begin to notice these signs and symptoms of pressure or tightness in your chest. This pain is called angina. It may feel like somebody is standing on your chest. When your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, you might develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue during activities. And if an artery becomes totally blocked, it leads to a heart attack. Classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing, substernal chest pain, pain in your shoulders or arms, shortness of breath, and sweating. However, many heart attacks have minimal or no symptoms and are found later during routine testing. How is it diagnosed? Diagnosing CAD starts by talking to your doctor. They'll be able to look at your medical history, do a physical exam and order routine blood work. Depending on that, they may suggest one or more of the following tests: an electrocardiogram or ECG, an echocardiogram or soundwave test of the heart, stress test, cardiac catheterization and angiogram, or a cardiac CT scan. CAD CT How is it treated? Treating coronary artery disease usually means making changes to your lifestyle. This might be eating healthier foods, exercising regularly, losing excess weight, reducing stress or quitting smoking. The good news is these changes can do a lot to improve your outlook. Living a healthier life translates to having healthier arteries. When necessary, treatment could involve drugs like aspirin, cholesterol-modifying medications, beta-blockers, or certain medical procedures like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. What now? Discovering you have coronary artery disease can be overwhelming. But be encouraged. There are things you can do to manage and live with this condition. Reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, quitting tobacco, eating healthier, exercising and managing your stress can make a world of difference. Better heart health starts by educating yourself. So don't be afraid to seek out information and ask your doctors about coronary artery disease. If you'd like to learn even more about this condition, watch our other related videos or visit Mayoclinic.org. We wish you well. Heart disease symptoms caused by irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias) The heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. Heart arrhythmia symptoms can include:  Chest pain or discomfort Dizziness Fainting (syncope) or near fainting Fluttering in the chest Lightheadedness Racing heartbeat (tachycardia) Shortness of breath Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)  Heart disease symptoms caused by congenital heart defects Serious congenital heart defects usually are noticed soon after birth. Congenital heart defect symptoms in children could include:  Pale gray or blue skin or lips (cyanosis) Swelling in the legs, belly area or areas around the eyes In an infant, shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain  Less-serious congenital heart defects are often not diagnosed until later in childhood or during adulthood. Symptoms of congenital heart defects that usually aren't immediately life-threatening include:  Easily getting short of breath during exercise or activity Easily tiring during exercise or activity Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet  Heart disease symptoms caused by diseased heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) Early stages of cardiomyopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the condition worsens, symptoms may include:  Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting Fatigue Feeling short of breath during activity or at rest Feeling short of breath at night when trying to sleep or waking up short of breath Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering Swollen legs, ankles or feet  Heart disease symptoms caused by heart valve problems (valvular heart disease) The heart has four valves — the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid valves. They open and close to move blood through the heart. Many things can damage the heart valves. A heart valve may become narrowed (stenosis), leaky (regurgitation or insufficiency) or close improperly (prolapse). Valvular heart disease is also called heart valve disease. Depending on which valve isn't working properly, heart valve disease symptoms generally include:  Chest pain Fainting (syncope) Fatigue Irregular heartbeat Shortness of breath Swollen feet or ankles  Endocarditis is an infection that affects the heart valves and inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium). Endocarditis symptoms can include:  Dry or persistent cough Fever Heartbeat changes Shortness of breath Skin rashes or unusual spots Swelling of the legs or belly area Weakness or fatigue 
heart disease symptoms depend type heart disease  symptoms heart disease blood vessels coronary artery disease common heart condition affects major blood vessels supply heart muscle  cholesterol deposits (plaques) heart arteries cause coronary artery disease  buildup plaques called atherosclerosis (ath-ur-o-skluh-roe-sis)  atherosclerosis reduces blood flow heart parts body  can lead heart attack  chest pain (angina) stroke  coronary artery disease symptoms may men women  instance  men likely chest pain  women likely symptoms chest discomfort  shortness breath  nausea extreme fatigue  symptoms coronary artery disease can include:  chest pain  chest tightness  chest pressure chest discomfort (angina) shortness breath pain neck  jaw  throat  upper belly area back pain  numbness  weakness coldness legs arms blood vessels body areas narrowed  diagnosed coronary artery disease heart attack  angina  stroke heart failure  it's important watch heart symptoms discuss concerns health care provider  heart (cardiovascular) disease can found early regular health checkups   coronary artery disease? mayo clinic cardiologist explains  stephen kopecky  m d  talks risk factors  symptoms treatment coronary artery disease (cad)  learn lifestyle changes can lower risk      coronary artery disease? mayo clinic cardiologist explains  stephen kopecky  m d  talks risk factors  symptoms treatment coronary artery disease (cad)  learn lifestyle changes can lower risk       show transcript video coronary artery disease? mayo clinic cardiologist explains   {music playing} stephen kopecky  m d  cardiovascular disease  mayo clinic: i'm dr  stephen kopecky  cardiologist mayo clinic  video  we'll cover basics coronary artery disease  it? who it? symptoms  diagnosis treatment  you're looking answers love  we're here give best available  coronary artery disease  called cad  condition affects heart  common heart disease united states  cad happens coronary arteries struggle supply heart blood  oxygen nutrients  cholesterol deposits  plaques  blame  buildups narrow arteries  decreasing blood flow heart  can cause chest pain  shortness breath heart attack  cad typically takes long time develop  often  patients don't know there's problem  ways prevent coronary artery disease  ways know you're risk ways treat it  who it? can develop cad  begins fats  cholesterols substances gather walls arteries  process called atherosclerosis  it's typically cause concern  however  buildup can lead blockage  obstructing blood flow  number risk factors  common red flags  can contribute ultimately lead coronary artery disease  first  older can mean damaged narrowed arteries  second  men generally greater risk  risk women increases menopause  existing health conditions matter  too  high blood pressure can thicken arteries  narrowing blood flow  high cholesterol levels can increase rate plaque buildup  diabetes associated higher risk  being overweight  lifestyle plays large role well  physical inactivity  long periods unrelieved stress life  unhealthy diet smoking can increase risk  finally  family history  close relative diagnosed early age heart disease  you're greater risk  factors can paint picture risk developing cad  symptoms? coronary arteries narrow  heart doesn't oxygen-rich blood  remember  pumps  heart pump energy supply  it's working harder less  may begin notice signs symptoms pressure tightness chest  pain called angina  may feel like standing chest  heart can't pump blood meet body's needs  develop shortness breath extreme fatigue activities  artery totally blocked  leads heart attack  classic signs symptoms heart attack include crushing  substernal chest pain  pain shoulders arms  shortness breath  sweating  however  heart attacks minimal symptoms found later routine testing  diagnosed? diagnosing cad starts talking doctor  they'll able look medical history  physical exam order routine blood work  depending that  may suggest following tests: electrocardiogram ecg  echocardiogram soundwave test heart  stress test  cardiac catheterization angiogram  cardiac ct scan  treated? treating coronary artery disease means making changes lifestyle  eating healthier foods  exercising regularly  losing excess weight  reducing stress quitting smoking  news changes can improve outlook  living healthier life translates healthier arteries  necessary  treatment involve drugs like aspirin  cholesterol-modifying medications  beta-blockers  medical procedures like angioplasty coronary artery bypass surgery  now? discovering coronary artery disease can overwhelming  encouraged  can manage live condition  reducing cholesterol  lowering blood pressure  quitting tobacco  eating healthier  exercising managing stress can world difference  heart health starts educating yourself  don't afraid seek ask doctors coronary artery disease  you'd like learn condition  watch videos visit mayoclinic org  wish well    show transcript video coronary artery disease? mayo clinic cardiologist explains  show transcript video coronary artery disease? mayo clinic cardiologist explains   {music playing} stephen kopecky  m d  cardiovascular disease  mayo clinic: i'm dr  stephen kopecky  cardiologist mayo clinic  video  we'll cover basics coronary artery disease  it? who it? symptoms  diagnosis treatment  you're looking answers love  we're here give best available  coronary artery disease  called cad  condition affects heart  common heart disease united states  cad happens coronary arteries struggle supply heart blood  oxygen nutrients  cholesterol deposits  plaques  blame  buildups narrow arteries  decreasing blood flow heart  can cause chest pain  shortness breath heart attack  cad typically takes long time develop  often  patients don't know there's problem  ways prevent coronary artery disease  ways know you're risk ways treat it  who it? can develop cad  begins fats  cholesterols substances gather walls arteries  process called atherosclerosis  it's typically cause concern  however  buildup can lead blockage  obstructing blood flow  number risk factors  common red flags  can contribute ultimately lead coronary artery disease  first  older can mean damaged narrowed arteries  second  men generally greater risk  risk women increases menopause  existing health conditions matter  too  high blood pressure can thicken arteries  narrowing blood flow  high cholesterol levels can increase rate plaque buildup  diabetes associated higher risk  being overweight  lifestyle plays large role well  physical inactivity  long periods unrelieved stress life  unhealthy diet smoking can increase risk  finally  family history  close relative diagnosed early age heart disease  you're greater risk  factors can paint picture risk developing cad  symptoms? coronary arteries narrow  heart doesn't oxygen-rich blood  remember  pumps  heart pump energy supply  it's working harder less  may begin notice signs symptoms pressure tightness chest  pain called angina  may feel like standing chest  heart can't pump blood meet body's needs  develop shortness breath extreme fatigue activities  artery totally blocked  leads heart attack  classic signs symptoms heart attack include crushing  substernal chest pain  pain shoulders arms  shortness breath  sweating  however  heart attacks minimal symptoms found later routine testing  diagnosed? diagnosing cad starts talking doctor  they'll able look medical history  physical exam order routine blood work  depending that  may suggest following tests: electrocardiogram ecg  echocardiogram soundwave test heart  stress test  cardiac catheterization angiogram  cardiac ct scan  treated? treating coronary artery disease means making changes lifestyle  eating healthier foods  exercising regularly  losing excess weight  reducing stress quitting smoking  news changes can improve outlook  living healthier life translates healthier arteries  necessary  treatment involve drugs like aspirin  cholesterol-modifying medications  beta-blockers  medical procedures like angioplasty coronary artery bypass surgery  now? discovering coronary artery disease can overwhelming  encouraged  can manage live condition  reducing cholesterol  lowering blood pressure  quitting tobacco  eating healthier  exercising managing stress can world difference  heart health starts educating yourself  don't afraid seek ask doctors coronary artery disease  you'd like learn condition  watch videos visit mayoclinic org  wish well   {music playing} {music playing} stephen kopecky  m d  cardiovascular disease  mayo clinic: i'm dr  stephen kopecky  cardiologist mayo clinic  video  we'll cover basics coronary artery disease  it? who it? symptoms  diagnosis treatment  you're looking answers love  we're here give best available  stephen kopecky  m d  cardiovascular disease  mayo clinic: coronary artery disease  called cad  condition affects heart  common heart disease united states  cad happens coronary arteries struggle supply heart blood  oxygen nutrients  cholesterol deposits  plaques  blame  buildups narrow arteries  decreasing blood flow heart  can cause chest pain  shortness breath heart attack  cad typically takes long time develop  often  patients don't know there's problem  ways prevent coronary artery disease  ways know you're risk ways treat it  cad cad who it? can develop cad  begins fats  cholesterols substances gather walls arteries  process called atherosclerosis  it's typically cause concern  however  buildup can lead blockage  obstructing blood flow  number risk factors  common red flags  can contribute ultimately lead coronary artery disease  first  older can mean damaged narrowed arteries  second  men generally greater risk  risk women increases menopause  existing health conditions matter  too  high blood pressure can thicken arteries  narrowing blood flow  high cholesterol levels can increase rate plaque buildup  diabetes associated higher risk  being overweight  lifestyle plays large role well  physical inactivity  long periods unrelieved stress life  unhealthy diet smoking can increase risk  finally  family history  close relative diagnosed early age heart disease  you're greater risk  factors can paint picture risk developing cad  cad cad symptoms? coronary arteries narrow  heart doesn't oxygen-rich blood  remember  pumps  heart pump energy supply  it's working harder less  may begin notice signs symptoms pressure tightness chest  pain called angina  may feel like standing chest  heart can't pump blood meet body's needs  develop shortness breath extreme fatigue activities  artery totally blocked  leads heart attack  classic signs symptoms heart attack include crushing  substernal chest pain  pain shoulders arms  shortness breath  sweating  however  heart attacks minimal symptoms found later routine testing  diagnosed? diagnosing cad starts talking doctor  they'll able look medical history  physical exam order routine blood work  depending that  may suggest following tests: electrocardiogram ecg  echocardiogram soundwave test heart  stress test  cardiac catheterization angiogram  cardiac ct scan  cad ct treated? treating coronary artery disease means making changes lifestyle  eating healthier foods  exercising regularly  losing excess weight  reducing stress quitting smoking  news changes can improve outlook  living healthier life translates healthier arteries  necessary  treatment involve drugs like aspirin  cholesterol-modifying medications  beta-blockers  medical procedures like angioplasty coronary artery bypass surgery  now? discovering coronary artery disease can overwhelming  encouraged  can manage live condition  reducing cholesterol  lowering blood pressure  quitting tobacco  eating healthier  exercising managing stress can world difference  heart health starts educating yourself  don't afraid seek ask doctors coronary artery disease  you'd like learn condition  watch videos visit mayoclinic org  wish well  heart disease symptoms caused irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias) heart may beat quickly  slowly irregularly  heart arrhythmia symptoms can include:  chest pain discomfort dizziness fainting (syncope) near fainting fluttering chest lightheadedness racing heartbeat (tachycardia) shortness breath slow heartbeat (bradycardia)  heart disease symptoms caused congenital heart defects congenital heart defects noticed soon birth  congenital heart defect symptoms children include:  pale gray blue skin lips (cyanosis) swelling legs  belly area areas eyes infant  shortness breath feedings  leading poor weight gain  less-serious congenital heart defects diagnosed later childhood adulthood  symptoms congenital heart defects aren't life-threatening include:  easily short breath exercise activity easily tiring exercise activity swelling hands  ankles feet  heart disease symptoms caused diseased heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) early stages cardiomyopathy may cause noticeable symptoms  condition worsens  symptoms may include:  dizziness  lightheadedness fainting fatigue feeling short breath activity rest feeling short breath night trying sleep waking short breath irregular heartbeats feel rapid  pounding fluttering swollen legs  ankles feet  heart disease symptoms caused heart valve problems (valvular heart disease) heart valves — aortic  mitral  pulmonary tricuspid valves  open close move blood heart  can damage heart valves  heart valve may narrowed (stenosis)  leaky (regurgitation insufficiency) close improperly (prolapse)  valvular heart disease called heart valve disease  depending valve isn't working properly  heart valve disease symptoms generally include:  chest pain fainting (syncope) fatigue irregular heartbeat shortness breath swollen feet ankles  endocarditis infection affects heart valves inner lining heart chambers heart valves (endocardium)  endocarditis symptoms can include:  dry persistent cough fever heartbeat changes shortness breath skin rashes unusual spots swelling legs belly area weakness fatigue 
heart disease