SYMPTOMATOLOGY

SYMPTOMATOLOGY

ACTUAL

IMPLICATION

SYMPTOM
Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is a problem with the

rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. When
you have an arrhythmia, you may
notice that your heart is skipping beats
or beating too fast.
Some people describe arrhythmias as
a

fluttering

feeling

in

the

chest. (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/
health-topics/topics/cad/signs.html,
July 1, 2013)

Heart failure is a condition in which

your heart can't pump enough blood to
meet your bodys needs. Heart failure
doesn't mean that your heart has
stopped or is about to stop working.
The
Heart Failure

most

common

signs

and
are

symptoms

of

heart

failure

shortness

of

breath

or

trouble

breathing; fatigue; and swelling in the

ankles, feet, legs, stomach, and veins

in

the

neck.

(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/healthtopics/topics/cad/signs.html,

July

1,

2013)

A heart attack occurs if the flow of

oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart
muscle is cut off. This can happen if an
area of plaque in a coronary artery
ruptures (breaks open).
Blood cell fragments called platelets
stick to the site of the injury and may
clump together to form blood clots. If a
clot becomes large enough, it can
mostly or completely block blood flow
through
Heart Attack

coronary

artery.

(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/healthtopics/topics/cad/signs.html,

July

1,

2013)

If

your

coronary

arteries

become

partially blocked, it can cause chest

pain (angina).
This can be a mild, uncomfortable
feeling similar to indigestion. However,
a severe angina attack can cause a
painful feeling

of

heaviness

or

tightness, usually in the centre of the

chest, which may spread to the arms,
neck, jaw, back or stomach.
Angina is often triggered by physical
activity
Chest Pain or Angina

or

stressful

situations.

Symptoms usually pass in less than 10

minutes and can be relieved by resting
or using a nitrate tablet or spray.
(http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Coronar
y-heartdisease/Pages/Symptoms.aspx, July 1,
2013)

Marked by a lack of quiet, repose,

or

rest

(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Restl

essness, retrieved on June 30, 2013).

Shortness of breath is known as
dyspnea, meaning you have difficulty
taking a breath. It may be hard,
uncomfortable

or

even

painful

to

breathe. You may experience periods

in which you feel you can't take in
enough

air.

(http://www.livestrong.com/article/1942
4-definition-shortnessbreath/#ixzz2XmYMvXKC,
2013)
Fatigue

Shortness of Breath

July

1,