Chest pain and flu-like symptoms can be alarming, especially when experienced together. While most chest pains can indicate non-serious issues, certain types of discomfort point towards heart disease.

Chest discomfort, bloating, nausea, and fatigue are common symptoms of the flu. These flu-like symptoms can also be a sign of a heart attack. Thus, it is essential to understand the difference between the two conditions to determine the right course of treatment.

Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease is a medical condition that affects the heart’s functionality, including blood pumping. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

The underlying cause of heart disease is the buildup or blockage of fatty substances in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. When the heart is unable to receive enough oxygen and nutrients, it becomes harder to function and results in chest pain or angina.

Other heart conditions that cause chest pain include:.

1. Heart Attack

A heart attack is a severe medical emergency caused by the complete or partial blockage of blood flow in the heart. This condition happens when there is plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

Lack of proper blood flow can lead to part of the heart muscle dying, leading to a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include:.

Severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
Pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, or shoulder
Shortness of breath, sweating, lightheadedness, or nausea
Fatigue, weakness, or anxiety

2. Angina Pectoris

Angina is a type of chest pain caused by the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels going to the heart. The discomfort may feel like pressure, squeezing or burning in the chest.

When occurs during exercise or stress, it usually lasts for a few minutes, but it will stop once the cause of chest pain is resolved. Rest and medication are often used to treat this condition.

3. Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias refer to abnormalities in heart rate or rhythm. It means the heart may beat too fast or too slow, abnormally, or irregularly. Sometimes, people with arrhythmias may feel a fluttering sensation in their chest but not always.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest discomfort or shortness of breath are common symptoms. Depending on the severity of the condition, medications, surgery, or medical devices like pacemaker and defibrillator can be used to treat.

Flu-like Symptoms and Heart Disease

Many flu-like symptoms are also associated with heart disease. People with heart disease may experience chest discomfort, fatigue, shortness of breath, pain in the upper area of the abdomen, or feel weak and tired despite getting adequate rest.

When flu-like symptoms are not accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose or sore throat, it may suggest a heart disease condition.

If you have these symptoms and suspect that you may have a heart condition, it is best to consult a doctor to run tests and diagnose the underlying issue.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Several factors increase the risk of developing heart disease, including:.

Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Diabetes
Obesity
Sedentary Lifestyle
Family History of Heart Disease

In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, healthy eating habits, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking, can reduce the risk of developing heart disease significantly.

Conclusion

Chest pain and flu-like symptoms are not always indicators of heart disease, but they can suggest an underlying condition that needs to be diagnosed by a medical professional.

Knowing what signs to look for and when to seek medical attention can go a long way in helping you get the right diagnosis and treatment. Avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits and take proactive measures to promote a healthy heart.