'I'm a cardiologist and everyone needs to be aware of this one symptom'
Dr Darius Farzad, a cardiologist at Jefferson Health, said chest pain was the most common complaint seen in the hospital, and warned people should always get it checked
Heart and circulatory diseases affect millions of people in the UK, with the British Heart Foundation estimating that more than half of us will develop one of these conditions in our lifetime. Therefore, monitoring our heart health and being aware of potential symptoms is essential.
According to Dr Darius Farzad, a cardiologist at Jefferson Health, chest pain is the most common complaint seen in hospitals. If you are experiencing chest pain, even if it seems minor, you should inform a healthcare provider, as he advised on the Living Well podcast.
Many people who are later diagnosed with heart problems often try to "ride out" chest pain for several days, attributing it to heartburn. However, Dr Farzad cautioned against self-diagnosing symptoms using online information, as it is not always reliable.
Instead, if you experience new symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Dr Farzad emphasized that some forms of heart disease can manifest in various ways and affect multiple organ systems, making it crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect any symptoms, reports Surrey Live.
"The thing about some forms of heart disease is that they can manifest in a lot of different ways," Dr Farzad said. "And I think the other important thing about heart disease is that it's something that can be sort of systemic, meaning a lot of different organ systems can be implicated, and tied to what's sort of more centrally a cardiac diagnosis."
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has reported that over 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart and circulatory diseases, a figure that's roughly double the number of those affected by cancer and Alzheimer's disease combined.
Regrettably, these figures are expected to climb, with the charity predicting an increase of one million individuals with heart and circulatory diseases by 2030, and two million more by 2040. Approximately 80% of sufferers also contend with at least one additional health condition.
Dr Farzad advises that anyone with a history of cardiac issues such as heart disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia should consult a cardiologist. This is also recommended for those with standard risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or a smoking history.
If you're experiencing any symptoms that could be heart-related, it's crucial to see a doctor.
To improve heart health and diminish the risk of heart disease, Dr Farzad emphasises the importance of regular exercise and giving up smoking. Indeed, quitting smoking is possibly the "most important, biggest thing" one can do for their health.
Cardiologists advise adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, focusing on consuming an abundance of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean meats while minimising fried foods, sweets, and processed foods. However, Dr. Farzad caveats this advice by saying: "We have to be really realistic about these things when we talk to patients and find a balance that's going to work for them and be practical."
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