There are many different types of heart disease including; Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction/MI), Arrhythmias, Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Valve Disease, Heart Failure, Congenital Heart Defects, Congenital Heart Defects in Infants/Children, Heart Muscle Disease (Cardiomyopathy), and Pericarditis. These are the top 10 heart problems and each have different but similar symptoms.

The symptoms for Coronary Artery Disease are:
-Angina (chest pain). This can be described as uncomfortable, heavy pressure and can include burning, aching, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the chest. In addition to being felt in the chest, it can also be felt in the arm, throat, jaw, shoulders, neck, and back.
-Shortness of Breath
-Palpitations (can be irregular heart beat or skipped beats)
-Faster heart rate
-Weakness/Dizziness
-Nausea
-Sweating

The symptoms for a Heart Attack, also known as a Myocardial Infarction or MI are:
-Angina
- Radiating pain from the chest, arms, neck, back, jaw, and throat.
-A feeling of fullness, indigestion, or feeling like you are choking
- Sweating, Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness
- Severe weakness, anxiety, shortness of breath
- Rapid/Irregular heartbeats

These symptoms usually last about 30 minutes or more and are not alleviated by medication.

An Arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm symptoms are:
-Palpitations (skipped heart beats, fluttering, rapid heart beats)
-Pounding Chest
- Dizziness or Light-headedness
- Fainting
-Shortness of Breath
- Weakness or Fatigue
- Chest discomfort

Atrial Fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia, most people with AF will have one or more of the below symptoms:
-Palpitations
-Fatigue/tiredness
- Dizziness
- Chest pains or discomfort
- Shortness of Breath

Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease are:
- Shortness of breath during activity or when laying flat
- Weakness or Dizziness
- Chest discomfort including pressure or weight in your chest during an activity or in cold weather.
- Palpitations
Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease do not correlate with the severity of your condition. It is possible to have no symptoms and still have severe heart valve disease. Heart valve disease can also cause heart failure.

The symptoms of Heart Failure are:
- Shortness of breath during activity or when laying flat in bed.
- Persistent cough the produces white mucus.
- Rapid weight gain (up to 3lbs in one day).
- Swelling in ankles, legs, or abdomen
- Dizziness
- Fatigue/Weakness
- Rapid/Irregular Heart Beats
- Nausea, Palpitations, Angina

Congenital Heart Defects occur prior to birth but may not be detected until later in life. Below are the symptoms of Congenital Heart Defects.
- Shortness of breath
- Inability to exercise
- Symptoms of heart valve disease or heart failure.

Most often Congenital Heart Defects are detected prior to birth, at birth, or in early childhood. Below are the symptoms of Congenital Heart Defects in infants and children.
- Cyanosis (blue tinge to lips, fingernails, and skin – due to lack of oxygen)
- Rapid Breathing
- Poor appetite
- Diminished weight gain
- Reoccurring respiratory infections
- Inability to exercise

Heart Muscle Disease, also referred to as Cardiomyopathy, can present little or no symptoms and can present at any age. Some common symptoms of Heart Muscle Disease are:
- Chest pain or pressure (this may occur after exercise, after meals, or after sleeping).
- Symptoms of Heart Failure
- Swelling in the lower half of the body.
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Palpitations

Pericarditis occurs when the sac encasing the heart becomes inflamed. Symptoms of Pericarditis include:
- Chest pain (this pain differs from angina, it will be sharp and located near the center of the chest. Occasionally the pain will radiate to the back, neck, and arms. The pain will worsen if you try to lay down, breath deeply, coughing, or swallowing; but is made better by sitting forward.)
- Low-grade fever
- Increased heart rate

While there are many different types of heart disease, they all have similar and differentiating symptoms. However, because the symptoms are so similar, it is imperative that you see your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

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