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Social Security Disability & Supplemental Security Income

Massachusetts SSA Disability and Cardiovascular Disease: Part One

Cardiovascular disease, including heart and blood vessel disease, is the main cause of death in the United States and worldwide. In fact, more Americans die of heart disease than of all cancers.

As a result, the Social Security Administration (SSA) receives many requests for disability benefits because of this difficult and deadly condition.

Unfortunately, most heart problems are only discovered after decades of development. When atherosclerosis is finally diagnosed in a patient, much damage to the arteries has already occurred. Atherosclerosis describes a condition in which plaque builds in artery walls. As a result, the arteries narrow and blood clots can develop, causing:

  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart Failure
  • Arrhythmia
  • Heart Valve Problems

While there are more than 60 types of cardiovascular disease, general symptoms include:

  • Chest discomfort or pain (angina)
  • Pain in different parts of the body: arm(s), left shoulder, neck, jaw, back
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Rapid or abnormal heart beat
  • Dizziness
  • Lethargy, or feeling very tired

Cardiovascular disease can also affect the brain when a blood clot becomes lodged in a small brain artery. This can cause a stroke or a transient Ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini stroke. Symptoms are sudden and may include:

  • Numbness in the arm, leg or face, often on one side of the body
  • Confusion
  • Trouble speaking or understanding others
  • Trouble with vision in one or both eyes
  • Trouble with walking, dizziness, balance or coordination
  • Unexplained headache

Finally, if arteries to your legs, arms or pelvis are affected by cardiovascular disease, you may experience:

  • Aching, cramping, or pain in the muscles, which happens when active and gets better when resting
  • Numbness or a cold sensation in the toes or feet, most often at night

If you are suffering from cardiovascular disease and are unable to work, you may need to consider applying to the SSA for disability benefits. The Boston law firm Keefe Disability Law helps people like you every day. We can assist you in every step of the application process. Call toll free today at 888-904-6847 for a free case review.