Cardiovascular disease experts emphasize early symptom recognition

Medical experts are highlighting the importance of recognizing early symptoms of cardiovascular disease, particularly in observance of World Heart Day. Experts emphasize that many heart diseases are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and early intervention.

Key warning signs include a sudden decrease in physical performance, such as difficulty climbing stairs, shortness of breath during short walks, or unusual fatigue during simple household tasks. While chest pain is a common symptom, heart-related pain can also manifest in the jaw, back, shoulders, or left arm. Other indicators include nausea, cold sweats, and unexplained weakness.

Risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco use, excessive salt consumption, and obesity contribute to chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These factors can begin damaging vascular structures from a young age, meaning heart health is a concern for all age groups, not just the elderly.