In this article we will talk a little about the signs of cardiovascular disease.
This is a subject that occupies a special place in my heart since many of my closest friends and relatives have had the obvious signs of cardiovascular disease but refused to go get checked out and/or make the appropriate diet and lifestyle changes until it was too late.
Don't you make that same mistake.
Take solace in knowing that many of the changes you will be asked to make are not that difficult or costly, and more importantly they could save your life.
The word cardiovascular is defined as pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
When we are talking about cardiovascular disease what we are really talking about are heart and artery disease.
Some of the names that you might recognize falling under this king size category of diseases and conditions are heart attack, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pericarditis, and heart valve disorders.
And guess what, that is just a partial list! I think you would agree that is quite the cast of charters.
Nevertheless, you are here to find out the signs of cardiovascular disease.
There can be only two reasons why you would want to learn more about this topic; first you suspect you, or someone you love, may have a heart or artery condition and second, you are doing research for a project or school paper.
Either way I am glad you are here, and now why don't we get down to the business of exposing the signs of cardiovascular disease.
The most classic symptom is of course chest pain.
When chest pain is associated with the heart it is referred to as angina which is a condition where the heart fails to get enough blood and oxygen thus acting as any blood and oxygen starved muscle would.
Angina pain can range from mild to severe but normally doesn't last for more than a few minutes and goes away with rest.
It is generally centered just below the sternum and is described as a tightness in the chest area.
Other symptoms of angina include burning, aching, heaviness, heart palpitations, irregular heart rhythms, and choking.
While generally centered just below the sternum it may also begin at or radiate to, any site above the waist, especially the left upper arm, forearm, and jaw.
But while the angina symptoms described above are generally considered to be the most common signs of cardiovascular disease there are indeed many others that may be very mild and/or vague.
This list includes fatigue, backache, indigestion, general weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, chills, vomiting, paleness, skin discoloration, fluid buildup primarily around the ankles, fluid in the lungs, swelling of the ankles, swelling of the legs, and numbness or tingling in the extremities.
Anyone experiencing any of the symptoms above should at the very least go get checked out by their doctor, earlier rather than later.
If your doctor believes there is chance you may indeed be showing some of the signs of cardiovascular disease he will likely suggest a serious of tests including one or more of the following; an EKG, stress test, or a heart disease specific  blood panel.
There are other options as well, but these three tests are some of the most affordable, and easiest to administer.
If the diagnosis comes back positive a number of heart healthy lifestyle changes will be need to be made (not smoking, reducing saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet, and daily doctor approved exercise) along with a prescription medication or possibly a natural cholesterol reduction supplement.
The suggested treatment approach will depend a great deal on your doctors specific area of training along with his view on medication, surgery, and natural remedies and supplements.