"Heart Diseases" refers to a broad spectrum of diseases related to the heart. Among different types of heart diseases, coronary heart disease constitutes a major portion of the mortality. The disease occurs when cholesterol layers deposit on the inner wall of coronary arteries and narrow the lumens of the arteries. The process reduces blood supply to cardiac muscle and causes exertional chest pain known as angina.
Situation in HK
Heart diseases have been the third leading cause of death in Hong Kong since the 1960s. "Heart Diseases" refers to a broad spectrum of diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, chronic rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart disease, and coronary heart disease is the major cause of death among them. In 2017, about 10.6 persons on average died from coronary heart diseases per day, and a male has a ratio of approximately 1.4:1 to female.
Symptoms and warning signs
Angina - Constricting chest pain. It usually occurs under physical exertion, e.g. while doing exercise, brisk walking or under emotional stress. The pain gradually disappears after taking a rest. The chest pain is chest discomfort, heaviness, tightness, pressure, aching, burning, numbness, fullness or a squeezing sensation in the chest area. It is sometimes confused with indigestion or heartburn. Angina is usually felt in the chest but may also radiate down the left shoulder and left arm and may be felt in the neck, back or jaw.
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Other common heart-attack symptoms:
Prolonged pain in the upper abdomen
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Impending sense of doom
Fainting
Nausea and vomiting
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Female may have different symptoms:
Abdominal pain or heartburn
Clammy skin
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Unusual or unexplained fatigue
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Be aware of your risk, if you feel any symptoms, seek medical attention at once
