Cardiovascular Disease Symptoms and Diagnosis

What are the symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease?

Heart Attack Symptoms

Pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting two minutes or more.
Pain that radiates to the shoulders, neck, arms, back, jaws or teeth.
Lightheaded feeling, fainting, nausea, or sweating.
Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
Rapid or irregular heart beat.

Stroke Symptoms

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side
of the body.
Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms

Leg or hip pain during walking (the pain stops when at rest).
Burning or aching pain in feet or toes when resting.
High blood pressure.
Cold legs or feet.
Color change in skin of legs and feet.
Loss of hair on legs.

How is Cardiovascular Disease diagnosed?

The most common tests for heart disease include an electrocardiogram (EKG), exercise stress testing, cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram), 64-slice or CT scanning cardiac catheterization.

For peripheral artery disease, an ultrasound or CT scan may be performed. We also provide a routine test called an ankle brachial index (ABI). This is a quick, painless non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the feet and arms.

For stroke, a common test is a CT scan or MRI where the brain’s anatomy and physiology are evaluated for abnormalities.

Know Your Health Numbers

Doctors use results from the screenings below to help them assess the quality of your health. High numbers can indicate that you are at risk for developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several forms of cancer. This guide can help you track your numbers.

Critical Health Marker	Recommended Range	More Information
Blood sugar The amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood	Less than 100 mg/dL = Normal 100-125 mg/dL = Impaired/Pre-Diabetes 126 or Higher = Diabetes	Blood sugar is measured by the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in your blood. An HbA1c test gives you a picture of your average blood sugar control for the past 2 to 3 months and provides you with a better idea of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
Blood pressure The force of blood against the arteries when the heart beats and rests	Less than 120/80 mm Hg = Optimal 120-139/80-89 = Prehypertension (at increased risk for developing high blood pressure) 140/90 or higher = High Blood Pressure	Blood pressure is typically measured by a device that uses the height of a column of mercury (Hg) to reflect the circulating systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic pressure (top number) is the peak pressure in the arteries, and diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the lowest pressure.
Blood cholesterol A waxy substance produced by the liver	Less than 200 mg/dL = Desirable 200-239 mg/dL = Borderline High 240 mg/dL or higher = High	Because cholesterol is unable to dissolve in the blood, it has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins.
LDL cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol, is known as "bad" cholesterol	Less than 100 mg/dL = Optimal 100-129 mg/dL = Near Above Optimal 130-159 mg/dL = Borderline High 160-189 mg/dL = High 190 mg/dL or higher = Very High	Your actual LDL depends on your other heart disease risk factors. Talk to your doctor.
HDL cholesterol High-density lipoprotein (or HDL) cholesterol, is known as "good" cholesterol.	Less than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women increases the risk for heart disease.	An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or more helps lower your risk for heart disease.
Triglycerides Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body.	Less than 150 mg/dL = Normal 150 to 199 mg/dL = Borderline High 200 to 499 mg/dL = High 500 mg/dL or higher = Very high	Changes in lifestyle habits are the main therapy for hypertriglyceridemia. Patients should follow the specific plans laid out by their physicians and nutritionists.
Waist Measurement Waist circumference is the distance around your natural waist (just above the navel).	Men - Over 40" indicates increased risk for weight-related problems Women - Over 35" indicates increased risk for weight-related problems	Your body is made up of water, fat, protein, carbohydrate and various vitamins and minerals. If you have too much fat — especially if a lot of it is at your waist — you're at higher risk for such health problems as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. That increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Body Mass Index (BMI) BMI assesses your body weight relative to height. It's a useful, indirect measure of body composition because it correlates highly with body fat in most people.	Below 18.5 = Underweight 18.5-24.9 = Normal 25.0-29.9 = Overweight 30.0 and over = Obese	A person's ideal body weight varies by gender, age, height, and frame. Your BMI and waist circumference provide good indicators of whether you are at a healthy weight.