As mentioned above, often symptoms are not noticeable until an actual stage of disease has already manifested.

Some symptoms associated with coronary artery disease may be more pronounced however. Such signs include:

Angina (chest pain) – This is the most common symptom, resulting from the heart intermittently not getting enough blood or oxygen. The intensity of the pain may vary from person to person.

Typical chest pain is felt under the sternum and is characterised by a heavy feeling, or a feeling of the chest being squeezed. Pain may also radiate to the shoulders, neck, or arms. It is often precipitated by exertion or emotional stress and is relieved by rest.

Women may also have a tendency to experience some areas of swelling – the ankles and legs for example – plus stomach upset, dizziness, rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath and chronic fatigue.

Shortness of breath – This can be a symptom of congestive heart failure (among many other things). The heart may be weak due to lack of blood and oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath accompanied by swollen feet and ankles too due to the reduced circulation.

When A Heart Attack is experienced you may experience intense chest pain that can be acute or last for a more extended period of time. There may be a sensation of pressure, burning, tightness, heaviness, or squeezing behind the breastbone. Pain in the left arm or jaw and of course laboured breathing also may occur. Alternatively pain may be more diffuse, spreading to the shoulders, neck, arms, abdomen and even back. Pain my come and go, feeling like a heaviness or burning sensation in the chest rather than intense pain.

Some victims of coronary heart disease experience none of these symptoms, while others experience them at varying levels. Initial emergency treatment is often recommended, such as the chewing of a regular strength adult Aspirin to inhibit blood clotting in the affecting coronary artery.

Stroke symptoms include a number of warning signs:

• Changes in visionLeg, arm, or face weakness
• A sudden, severe headache
• Changes in speech and hearing
• Unsteadiness or unexplained dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness

Symptoms may be especially noticeable on one particular side of the body. 

Heart Failure symptoms may include: 

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent coughing
• Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen.

Symptoms may continue for years unnoticed as the heart weakens.