Heart disease: symptoms, risk factors, and how to help
Heart disease is a broad term for several conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease may not be diagnosed until someone experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia.
September 29 is World Heart Day, a global awareness day organized by the World Heart Federation. This year’s message, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” encourages people to recognize symptoms, keep up with health checks, and seek timely care.
Awareness can make a difference. The World Heart Federation estimates that about 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease are preventable. Knowing the signs and understanding common risk factors can help people make informed decisions about their health.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease includes several related conditions, including:
- Coronary heart disease: The most common type of heart disease. It occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, which can reduce or block blood flow.
- Arrhythmia: A condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. Atrial fibrillation is one example.
- Heart failure: A condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to support other organs in the body. Heart failure is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating.
In the U.S., someone has a heart attack about every 40 seconds. About 805,000 people have a heart attack each year, and about 1 in 5 heart attacks are considered “silent,” meaning the damage occurs without the person being aware of it.
Symptoms and warning signs
Heart attack symptoms aren’t always easy to recognize. According to the CDC, common symptoms can include:
- Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. It may last more than a few minutes or go away and return.
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms, or shoulders.
- Shortness of breath, which may happen with or before chest discomfort.
- Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint, sometimes with a cold sweat.
- Unusual or unexplained tiredness, nausea, or vomiting.
Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person. The CDC notes that women may experience symptoms such as unusual tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the back, shoulder, or arm.
Other symptoms can depend on the type of heart condition. They may include:
- Arrhythmia: A fluttering feeling in the chest or the feeling that the heart is beating too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly.
- Heart failure: Shortness of breath, tiredness or weakness, and swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen.
If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call emergency services right away. Getting treatment quickly can reduce damage to the heart and may save a life.
Risk factors and ways to lower risk
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. Other factors can include diabetes, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, and drinking too much alcohol. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is one reason regular health checks can be important.
Many risk factors can be prevented or managed. The CDC recommends steps such as knowing your blood pressure, getting tested for diabetes, not smoking, having your cholesterol checked, making nutritious food choices, staying physically active, and limiting alcohol.
How to help on World Heart Day
You can take part in World Heart Day by learning more about heart health and sharing what you learn with others. The World Heart Federation’s Heart Smart Quiz is one way to test your knowledge of symptoms, risk factors, heart health statistics, and everyday habits that can affect cardiovascular health.
Take the quiz, then encourage friends and family to learn more about heart health, too.
Explore fundraisers to support
Heart disease can affect families in many ways, from medical and rehabilitation expenses to lost income during recovery.
Explore fundraisers from people and families affected by heart disease. You can donate, share a fundraiser, or start one for someone you care about.
- All
Support organizations working on heart disease research and care
You can also support organizations focused on cardiovascular research, education, and patient support. These organizations have GoFundMe charity pages:
- American Heart Association: Supports research into heart disease and stroke treatment and prevention, as well as education and resources about heart health.
- The Children’s Heart Foundation: Funds research into congenital heart defects and supports work to improve outcomes for people affected by them.
You can learn more about their work for the cause and the ways you can help on their GoFundMe charity pages.
Find a way to help that works for them
There’s no single way to support someone affected by heart disease. They may need help with medical expenses, everyday costs during recovery, transportation, meals, or other needs. The person or family going through it is often best placed to say what would help most.
A fundraiser can give friends, family members, and the wider community a practical way to come together and help. It also gives the person or family space to share what they need and how others can support them.
World Heart Day is a reminder to learn the signs of heart disease, take our health seriously, and look out for the people around us.
Sources and further reading
For more information about heart disease, visit:
| Organization | Resource |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | About Heart Disease |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Heart Disease Facts |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | About Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery |
| World Heart Federation | World Heart Day |
| World Heart Federation | Prevention |
This article is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about heart disease symptoms, risk, or treatment, talk with a qualified health care provider.