Heart disease symptoms can manifest without classic chest pain

Associate Professor Dr. Zafer Işılak from the Medicana Health Group Cardiology Department has warned that heart diseases do not always present with classic chest pain. Relying solely on the presence of severe chest pain to identify cardiac issues can be misleading.

Key symptoms that should be taken seriously include new or unexplained shortness of breath, a significant decrease in exercise capacity, feelings of pressure or tightness in the chest, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting. In some individuals, heart-related problems may manifest as discomfort in the stomach area, nausea, or pain radiating to the back or jaw. It is noted that symptoms may present differently in women.

Major risk factors for cardiovascular disease include tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, excess weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. To reduce cardiovascular risk, experts recommend regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy body weight, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.