Heart problems kill Brits every three minutes, so one cardiologist urges people to keep an eye out for any of these symptoms
People who suspect they might have one of the 10 “hallmark signs” of a prevalent health issue must call their GP without delay, a cardiologist has warned. Heart and circulatory diseases are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming the lives of roughly 17.9 million people each year, according to the World Health Organisation.
In the UK alone, the British Heart Foundation warned people die from such conditions every three minutes. The charity predicts that more than half of Brits will experience a heart or circulatory disease in their lifetime.
Recognising the early warning signs is therefore crucial – as is knowing precisely when to consult a specialist. Chest pain is one of the 10 key indicators that you should seek immediate medical attention, said Dr Allison Zielinski, a cardiologist at Chicago-based healthcare provider Northwestern Medicine.
Describing it as one of the “hallmark signs of a heart problem”, Dr Zielinksi said: “While there are other causes of chest pain that are not related to the heart, chest pressure that occurs or worsens with activity is particularly concerning, as it can be a sign that the heart may not be getting enough blood.”
High blood pressure is another significant indicator of a heart issue, with Dr Zielinski noting: “Chronically elevated blood pressure causes the heart to work harder to circulate blood, and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.”
Moreover, Dr Zielinski highlighted other warnings signs that should prompt immediate medical attention. Breathlessness, heart palpitations or feelings of light-headedness are other signs of cardiac complications, alongside people with a smoking history, elevated cholesterol, kidney conditions and previous heart troubles.
She further highlighted a condition known as peripheral arterial disease and urged people to get checked for it. She explained: “Arteries are the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body,” she explained.
“If you have known disease in other arteries, such as the leg arteries or the large blood vessels to the brain (carotid arteries), you are more likely to also have coronary artery disease.”
The 10 warning signs in full
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath, palpitations or dizziness
- Diabetes
- History of smoking
- History of high cholesterol
- Chronic kidney disease
- History of heart disease
- Peripheral arterial disease
- You’re inactive and planning to start an exercise routine
Additional warning signs
Certain symptoms demand immediate medical intervention, including discomfort that radiates to your arm, neck, jaw, back or abdomen. Sudden nausea, sweating or feeling lightheaded might resemble food poisoning or anxiety, but could actually indicate a heart attack.
In these circumstances, the British Heart Foundation advised calling 999 without delay, stating: “If you experience a new and sudden feeling of sickness, sweatiness or light-headedness it is important you call 999 straight away.”
Stay alert for any swelling in your feet, ankles or lower legs could signal heart failure – a serious condition where your heart struggles to pump blood efficiently around the body, causing fluid to build up.
Strokes
Another emergency scenario requiring an immediate 999 call is spotting stroke symptoms. The Stroke Association urges people to remember the FAST method (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) because “every minute is vital” when getting urgent medical assistance, reports the Express.
- Face – observe whether the person can smile properly or if their mouth or eyes have sagged
- Arm – test if the individual can raise both arms and maintain them in an elevated position
- Speech – listen for slurred or garbled speech that’s worse than normal
- Time – should any of these warning signs appear, don’t hesitate to dial 999 straight away
“Acting FAST will give the person having a stroke the best chance of survival and recovery,” the Stroke Association stressed. “Even if it doesn’t seem like much, any one of these signs of stroke is an emergency, so always call 999 immediately.”
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