8. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a very common symptom in patients with heart disease. When shortness of breath cannot explained with physical exertion it may be due to a variety of causes including heart disease. Since the respiratory system depends on the circulatory system to pump newly oxygenated blood throughout the body, if the heart is not functioning properly a distinct shortness of breath may manifest.
Shortness of breath is highly subjective, and although it cannot be measured with devices objectively, there are clinical scales that can gauge its extent.