The heart is a vital organ your body can't live without, so it's important to spot and address any potential problems with it as early as possible. However, heart-related symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from less serious issues and are sometimes ignored. Here is a brief guide to which symptoms could signify heart trouble and the health care testing that can reveal it.

Symptoms 

Many heart-related symptoms tend to mimic those of less serious conditions, such as acid reflux or generalized anxiety disorder. If you are experiencing symptoms that could have multiple causes, don't just assume they aren't serious, especially if you are over 60 and/or overweight. 

Other risk factors for heart complications include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Symptoms to be concerned about include chest pain or pressure, severe indigestion, dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling of the feet or ankles, cold sweats, a persistent cough, and sudden fatigue.

Tests

There are several routine health care tests that can catch heart problems before they become urgent. These include monitoring your body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol at regular checkup appointments from early adulthood on. In addition to this testing, if symptoms are present, more specific tests may be ordered. 

Depending on the specific symptoms reported, testing might include procedures where electrodes are attached to the chest and used to record your heart's electrical activity. Other types of tests use ultrasound waves, radioactive dyes, or even a small catheter inserted into an artery to document your heart's functioning. Often, these modalities are combined into one test. A coronary CT angiography (CTA), for instance, combines CT scans with contrast dye and electrodes to capture as much data as possible.

If you suspect that the symptoms you're experiencing are related to your heart, you can count on Tug River Health Association in Gary, WV. This compassionate nonprofit agency provides high-quality health care from licensed, board-certified professionals at an income-based price. Visit their website or call (304) 448-2101 to schedule an appointment.