Cardiovascular disease is a major killer in the UK, responsible for a 170,000 deaths annually – that’s about one every three minutes. However many of these could have a much better outcome with earlier identification of symptoms.
Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, Niamh McMillan, highlights that there are several signs of deteriorating heart health which are frequently ignored. She said: “When most people think of heart problems, they picture chest pain or sudden collapse. But the early signs of poor heart health can be surprisingly subtle such as fatigue, breathlessness, or swollen ankles and therefore can be easy to miss.”
Niamh says there are several lesser-known indicators of cardiac issues which if spotted early enough can help people take prompt action. Here’s her advice on what symptoms to look out for.
Swollen ankles
Niamh says: “Swollen ankles or feet can be a subtle but important sign of poor heart health. When the heart isn’t pumping as efficiently as it should, it can cause the blood to back up in other areas of the body and can cause fluid to build up, a condition known as oedema.
“While swelling can also result from standing for long periods or other health issues, persistent or unexplained swelling, especially when combined with breathlessness or fatigue, may indicate heart failure or circulation problems. If swelling is ongoing or worsens over time, it’s important to seek medical advice.”
Stomach pain
According to the pharmacist stomach pain is often dismissed as indigestion or a digestive issue but it can sometimes be a sign of poor heart health. She says: “However, as these symptoms can mimic common gastrointestinal problems, they’re often overlooked.
“If stomach pain is persistent, occurs with exertion, or is accompanied by breathlessness, fatigue, or sweating, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out more serious concerns.”
Feeling sweaty
“Excessive or unexplained sweating, especially when not caused by heat or physical activity, can be an early warning sign of heart problems,” says the expert. “Seek urgent medical attention if you start to feel hot and clammy, along with chest pains.”
Leg and arm pain
“Leg pain or cramping in your calves can be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD)—a condition caused by narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the legs,” she says. “This type of pain, known as claudication or intermittent claudication, is your body’s way of signalling reduced blood flow to the muscles.
“Having PAD can put you at risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. If you experience persistent leg pain or cramping during activity, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional for further assessment.
“Arm pain can be a key warning sign of a heart attack and can feel as though pain is spreading from your chest to your arms. This feeling can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. If you experience unexplained arm pain along with these signs, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.”
Fatigue
“Persistent fatigue, especially when it’s not explained by lack of sleep or overexertion, can potentially be an early warning sign of poor heart health,” says Niamh.” When the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, less oxygen-rich blood reaches the muscles and tissues, leading to feelings of constant tiredness or weakness.
“This can be particularly noticeable during everyday activities that previously felt easy, such as climbing stairs or walking short distances. If you find yourself unusually drained or struggling with low energy on a regular basis, it may be time to consider a heart health check. PocDoc, £19.99 available from Superdrug pharmacies is an easy to use, at home heart health test, which helps you to understand your heart age, risk of Cardiovascular disease and key risk factors all through a finger prick of blood.”
Palpitations and high blood pressure
“While sometimes harmless, frequent or severe palpitations may indicate underlying heart conditions,” says the pharmacist. “Palpitations can also be a sign of an abnormal heart rhythm, known as arrhythmias, which can be caused by an underlying condition.
“One of the most common arrhythmias is atrial fibrillation, which can increase your risk of a stroke. It’s important to pay attention to these sensations, especially if they’re accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, and to seek medical advice to ensure heart health is properly managed.
“Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for Cardiovascular disease. If your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your arteries. Superdrug offers free blood pressure checks in its nationwide high street health clinics. Customers can get their blood pressure checked by a nurse, in order to help assess heart health.”