CHEST pain and palpitations are two of the more obvious signs there might be something wrong with your heart.
But some symptoms can be a lot more subtle, and easily mistaken for other conditions.
Singer Max George was rushed to hospital last week after feeling generally unwell.
The Wanted star, 36, later revealed he has been diagnosed with a “2:1 heart block” — where the heart beats more slowly or with an abnormal rhythm because of a problem with the electrical impulses.
He now faces a “pretty scary” wait for surgery.
Experts have since warned that potentially life-threatening heart issues can strike anyone at any age, and there are 7.6million of us living with a heart or circulatory disease in the UK.
Emily McGrath, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, tells Sun on Sunday Health: “Your heart keeps you alive. Every day, it beats around 100,000 times, which means about eight pints (five litres) of blood is being pushed around your body through a network of blood vessels.
“This delivers oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body to help your organs and muscles work properly.
“Sometimes, this system doesn’t work as it should, causing heart and circulatory conditions like coronary heart disease, heart attack, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest and heart block.
“The types of conditions are vast, so their symptoms are too.”
Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, adds: “The news of Max George is a stark reminder that heart issues can strike at any age.
“Therefore, understanding the telltale signs that the heart isn’t functioning properly can be the difference between life and death, allowing people to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.”
Here, we look at the symptoms to watch out for . . .
HUFFING AND PUFFING
FROM asthma to panic attacks, shortness of breath can stem from many conditions.
It’s also too easy to ignore as a sign that we’re simply getting old or unfit.
“However, breathlessness is a massive signifier of heart disease,” warns Dr Grant.
“When the heart is unable to pump blood fast enough, veins can quickly become backed up, and fluid leaks into the lungs.
“Or an absence of oxygen-rich blood may mean you breathe more quickly as you fight to get more oxygen. Shortness of breath is especially concerning if it occurs while doing very little, such as climbing a few stairs. If this is a concern, I strongly advise seeking further medical advice from a GP.”
ARE YOU TIRED ALL THE TIME?
AFTER a busy week at work or a jam-packed Christmas calendar, it’s no wonder we can feel ‘tired all the time’.
But if this TATT fatigue lasts for several weeks, speak to a doctor.
“Understanding why you feel increasingly tired can be challenging, especially during a time of year like the festive period, but it could signify heart failure,” Dr Grant says.
“When our bodies can’t pump enough blood, they prioritise blood to our brains and heart, meaning muscles can feel weaker. Therefore, keep a close eye on muscle strength and energy levels this winter.”
OFFBEAT
HEART palpitations are another key sign that the heart is struggling to function normally.
This can feel like your heart is racing, pounding or fluttering, or that it’s missing beats.
“Outside influences can bring on palpitations — including caffeine, certain medications and anxiety — but it’s also a big sign of arrhythmia,” the expert adds.
“Heartbeats can slow or rapidly speed up. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, heart failure and stroke, so act fast.”
CHANGING FACES
HAVE you noticed any difference to your appearance lately?
Heart issues are often noticeable through facial changes, so pay close attention next time you look in the mirror.
Dr Grant says: “Facial swelling could indicate oedema, where fluid is retained due to heart failure. Discolouration is another huge sign. Both blue lips and grey skin can indicate poor blood flow and circulation, which could stem from low oxygen levels in the blood.
“High blood pressure can also show in the face in the form of flushing, leaving you red faced.
“This is a major risk factor for heart disease and I strongly advise anyone with these symptoms to speak to their GP.”
ACHES AND PAINS
MOST people experience more aches and pains during winter.
The cold weather can lead to stiffer joints and muscles, and we spend more time sitting down indoors, after all.
But take note of any pain in your chest, neck, back, tummy or jaw, especially if it radiates up your left arm.
Dr Grant says: “General pain is something to keep a close eye on as it may indicate a heart attack.
“Other cardiac symptoms include pressure in the chest, sweating and dizziness.
“It’s vital to call emergency services should these symptoms persist for more than a couple of minutes.”
What is a 2:1 heart block?
EMILY McGrath, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, says: “Electrical signals move through your heart, which make it beat. A heart block happens when these electrical impulses are blocked or delayed.
“First-degree heart block will not cause any symptoms, but second- and third-degree ones are more serious.
“Second-degree heart block can be caused by a congenital problem, a history of heart attack or heart surgery, but the cause can also be unknown.
“First-degree heart block does not usually need treatment. But second- and third-degree heart blocks can cause uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms such as dizziness, exhaustion, shortness of breath or a very low heart rate – though sometimes there are no symptoms at all.”
Heart blocks are relatively uncommon, but become more frequent with age or underlying conditions, according to Heart Research UK.
Treatment can include implanting a pacemaker, of which up to 50,000 procedures are performed a year.
When to seek help
“A HEALTHY heart is key to a healthy body,” says Dr Roy Jogiya, incoming chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK.
So speak to your GP if you notice:
- Pain in chest, neck or back that radiates up the left arm
- Heart palpitations
- Severe breathlessness
- Suddenly feeling sick, sweaty or light-headed
- Facial weakness
- Speech problems
- Sudden memory loss or confusion
- Sudden sight problems
- Sudden severe headache
