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HEART HEALTH

What Are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?

From chest pain to shortness of breath, and from palpitations to swelling in the legs, we explain the symptoms that can be associated with heart disease in a way that helps you understand when to take them seriously.

EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT

If the Symptoms Below Appear Suddenly and Severely, Seek Emergency Medical Help Without Delay

Chest pain that starts suddenly and lasts more than 10 minutes with a feeling of pressure or tightness; chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath; loss of consciousness or fainting; chest pain with cold sweating; sudden pain spreading to the jaw, left arm, or back — in any of these situations, go to the nearest emergency department or call emergency medical services. This page is not an emergency guide; it is intended for general information only.
KEY SYMPTOMS

Main Symptoms That May Occur in Heart Disease

The symptoms below do not, on their own, confirm a diagnosis of heart disease; many of them can also occur for other reasons. The purpose is to help you understand which symptoms should prompt you to seek a cardiology evaluation.

Chest Pain, Pressure, Tightness

A feeling of heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest; it may ease with rest or may persist.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath felt during exertion or, at times, at rest.

Difficulty With Exertion, Quick Fatigue

Sudden fatigue or a reduced capacity for exertion during activities that were previously easy to perform.

Palpitations

The heartbeat feeling fast, irregular, or unusually strong.

Dizziness

Sudden dizziness or a feeling of unsteadiness.

Fainting

A brief loss of consciousness or a feeling of fainting (syncope).

Swelling in the Feet

Swelling in the ankles and legs that increases throughout the day.

Cold Sweating

Sudden, unexplained cold sweating.

Pain Spreading to the Jaw

A feeling of discomfort spreading from the chest to the jaw.

Pain Spreading to the Arm

Pain that usually spreads to the left arm, and sometimes to both arms.

Pain Spreading to the Back

Pain spreading from the chest to the back or between the shoulder blades.
SPECIAL CASES

Symptoms Don't Always Appear the Same Way

Different Symptoms in Women

In women, chest pain may not be prominent; instead, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, or back/jaw pain may be more noticeable. This difference can sometimes lead to a delay in diagnosis.

Silent Symptoms in People With Diabetes

Nerve damage caused by diabetes can reduce the sensation of chest pain. As a result, heart disease can progress in people with diabetes without noticeable pain.

Heart Disease That Progresses Without Symptoms

Some heart conditions can progress for a long time without symptoms. For more information on this topic, you can visit our Silent Heart Disease page.
THE RIGHT STEP

What Should You Do If You Experience These Symptoms?

Experiencing one or more of the symptoms above does not, on its own, mean you need a specific treatment. The right step is to be examined by a cardiology specialist and, if necessary, evaluated with tests such as an ECG, exercise stress test, or echocardiography. The cause of your symptoms could be angina, coronary artery disease, a heart rhythm disorder, valve disease, or a condition unrelated to the heart — your current test results and examination findings are what will determine this.

If you are experiencing a reduced capacity for exertion or shortness of breath, Shortness of Breath and Fatigue and Weakness pages. To learn more about our cardiology team, you can visit our Meet Our Doctor page.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions About the Symptoms of Heart Disease

I Have Chest Pain — Is It Definitely Related to My Heart?

No. Chest pain can have many causes related to the musculoskeletal system, acid reflux, the lungs, or anxiety. However, chest pain that is new, worsens with exertion, or is accompanied by a feeling of pressure should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Should I Still See a Doctor If My Symptoms Are Mild?

Yes. Some heart conditions can present with mild or intermittent symptoms. The severity of symptoms is not always proportional to the seriousness of the underlying condition.

If I Have One of These Symptoms, Should I Go Straight to EECP Treatment?

No. Your symptoms should first be evaluated by a cardiology specialist so that a diagnosis can be clarified and an appropriate treatment plan determined. EECP is an option that may only be considered after this evaluation and in certain clinical situations.

Am I at Risk If I Have a Family History?

A family history of early-onset heart disease is one of the factors considered in a personal risk assessment. Sharing this information with your cardiology specialist can help support the evaluation.

The Right Step for Your Symptoms: A Cardiology Evaluation

If you have concerns about your heart health, the first step is an examination and evaluation by our cardiology team.