From sweating to fatigue and swollen ankles – the 11 surprising signs your heart is in danger and when to call 999

The Sun

16 hours ago

WE'RE all aware that chest pain is a common sign that something's wrong with our heart.
But it's far from the only signal, and in many cases, the earliest alarm bells are more subtle symptoms that you might just put down to the warm weather - or miss altogether.
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Heart and circulatory diseases cause around a quarter of all deaths in the UK - that's more than 170,000 lives claimed each year.
And spotting symptoms can be crucial for early intervention and preventing life-threatening consequences.
It's important to know that not all chest pain is heart-related, and not all heart problems present with chest pain.
Many of the tell-tale signs might surprise you, as they're often associated with less serious health conditions.
Niamh McMillan, Superdrug 's pharmacy superintendent, told Sun Health: '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.'
Our experts reveal the more surprising symptoms of poor heart health so you can take action sooner rather than later.
1. Stomach pain
STOMACH pain is often dismissed as indigestion or a minor digestive issue.
But it can sometimes be a sign of poor heart health.
A heart attack can cause chest pain that radiates to other areas of the body, including the stomach, causing a feeling of heaviness, tightness, or pain in the upper abdomen.
It can also present as nausea, indigestion, or heartburn.
In cases of heart failure, abdominal pain and swelling can occur due to fluid retention and congestion in the liver and gut.
This can manifest as nausea, loss of appetite, and swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen.
Niamh says: "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."
2. Feeling sweaty
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IT'S the time of year when hotter weather brings on buckets of sweat.
While sweating is a natural response by the body to regulate its temperature, excessive or unexplained sweating, especially when it hasn't been caused by heat or physical activity, can be an early warning sign of heart problems.
During a heart attack, the body may activate a 'fight or flight' response, leading to excessive sweating.
Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to a blockage in the coronary arteries, can also cause the body to sweat more to try and regulate temperature.
In some cases, excessive sweating can be a symptom of heart failure, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's inner lining) and certain congenital heart defects.
Niamh said: "Seek urgent medical attention if you start to feel hot and clammy, along with chest pains.'
3. Swollen ankles
​​SWOLLEN ankles or feet are another common occurrence during hot weather.
It happens because your body naturally dilates blood vessels to cool down, causing fluid to move from the vessels into surrounding tissues.
Gravity then pulls this fluid down to the lower extremities, leading to swelling in the feet and ankles.
Swelling can also result from standing for long periods of time and be a side effect of medications, said Dr Susanna Hayter, Digital Clinician at Medichecks.
But it can also 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.
Persistent or unexplained swelling, especially when combined with breathlessness or fatigue, may indicate heart failure or circulation problems, said Dr John Abroon.
Niamh added: "If swelling is ongoing or worsens over time, it's important to seek medical advice.'
A simple blood test (called a BNP test) can be performed by your GP and can be helpful in determining whether such swelling is something of concern.
4. Leg and arm pain
LEG and arm pain can be normal if it's mild and temporary.
It often results from overuse, minor injuries, and even growing pains.
But leg pain or cramping in your calves can also be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD) - a condition caused by narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the legs.
Niamh explained: "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.'
Dr Abroon, who has more than 25 years of experience practising medicine in New York City, warned arm or jaw pain with fatigue or sweating may be a sign of a heart attack.
5. Persistent cough or wheezing
WHILST a chronic cough is often secondary to a benign, passing viral infection, and can even be triggered by hay fever at this time of year, heart disease can also cause this symptom.
Dr Christopher Boyd, consultant cardiologist at Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital, advised that in the case of heart issues, it's often worse at night or when lying flat and, when the heart condition is more extreme, can be associated with pink sputum production.
He says: "This type of cough results from fluid backing up into the
lungs.
"If you have a persistent cough that worsens when lying down or at night, it's worth discussing this with a doctor."
Besides heart failure, a persistent cough can be caused by respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, or even as a side effect of certain heart medications.
6. Jaw or neck pain
JAW ache is relatively common, often brought on by teeth grinding, sinus problems or dental issues.
But a dull ache that radiates from the chest into the jaw can be a red flag, because the same nerves that serve the heart also serve the lower face, so pain can be projected there when myocardial tissue is starved of oxygen, said Dr Naheed Ali, a physician and senior contributor at Vera Clinic.
He said: "Jaw or arm radiation together with chest pressure often accompanies unstable angina or an evolving infarction, situations in which a coronary artery is partially or completely blocked and heart tissue is becoming ischemic [a less than normal amount of blood flow to a part of the body]."
Recently, Dr Boyd said he treated a woman who was having a heart attack but had thought it was toothache.
He said: "This is quite understandable and, of course, in the majority of cases, the patient's initial instinct is right.
"But in some cases, jaw or neck pain can be referred pain from the heart.
"This is particularly true for women or older patients, whose heart attack symptoms can present atypically."
If you feel discomfort in your jaw, neck, or throat that is out of the ordinary - particularly if it's accompanied by nausea or sweating - seek medical attention, he adds.
7. Fatigue
WE all feel tired from time to time.
One of the most common reasons to consult a GP is fatigue and difficulties sleeping, said Dr Boyd.
Usually, this is caused by factors such as stress or poor sleep hygiene.
Hot weather is another common cause, with the body working harder to regulate its temperature, which can lead to tiredness and sluggishness.
But 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.
Niamh explained: "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.'
8. Sudden dizziness or light-headedness
FEELING faint or dizzy can happen for a variety of reasons, but when it occurs suddenly and without a clear cause, it may be warning that your heart isn't pumping enough blood to the brain.
The most common reason for this is a transient reduction in blood pressure, called vasovagal syncope, explained Dr Boyd.
This can often be provoked by standing for long periods - particularly in hot weather.
He said: "The London Underground in the summer is often a frequent contributor to this issue, as many commuters can attest!
"Adequate hydration and minimising provoking situations is essential for people prone to this.
"However, arrhythmias, heart valve problems, or blockages in blood vessels could also be to blame, and if you suffer with frequent or worrying fainting or dizzy spells, you should discuss this with a medical professional."
9. Erectile dysfunction
MANY people are surprised to learn that erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early warning sign of heart disease.
The same processes that cause arteries in the heart to narrow can affect blood flow elsewhere, resulting in this condition.
Dr Boyd explained: "In fact, ED can precede a diagnosis of coronary artery disease by several years.
"If this is something you have encountered, it is worth speaking with a medical professional to minimise your cardiovascular risk factors and help reduce the risk of future heart problems."
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, has been shown to improve both your heart health and sexual function.
10. Shortness of breath
EVERYONE gets breathless at some point in their daily routines, and this is obviously normal in most settings.
Furthermore, as we get older or if we let our fitness levels decline, we will become breathless doing lesser things, and this doesn't necessarily reflect abnormal heart health.
However, if you're finding yourself breathless doing things you used to manage easily — like walking the dog or carrying groceries —
you may be experiencing an early sign of heart failure or valve disease.
Dr Boyd advised: "Some people experience angina not as chest pain or tightness, but as breathlessness, and this is likely to be more noticeable in cold weather.
"If these features are true for you, it is worth consulting your GP for an assessment."
11. Palpitations & high blood pressure
HEART palpitations are generally considered normal and isn't usually a sign of anything serious.
It's the sensation of feeling your heart beat, which can feel like a fluttering, pounding, or racing sensation.
Dr Hayter said they can be caused by anxiety, too much caffeine, or dehydration.
However, frequent or severe palpitations may indicate underlying heart conditions.
Niamh warned: "Palpitations can 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."
Also, hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
But many people are unaware they have the condition because it usually has no noticeable symptoms - giving it the name the 'silent killer'.
If your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your arteries, leading to various complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and even vision loss, said Niamh.
She added: "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.'
Which symptoms are the most serious?
THE most urgent symptoms to look out for include sudden chest, jaw, or arm pain, especially if it's severe, lasts for more than a few minutes, or is accompanied by sweating, nausea of shortness of breath, said Dr Hayter.
Other symptoms you mustn't ignore are sudden onset of cold sweats, palpitations, dizziness, collapse, breathlessness (particularly if it comes on quickly or is worse when lying flat), or a rapid/irregular heartbeat (especially with chest discomfort or light-headedness).
How to keep your heart healthy
Diet
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, salt, and sugar.
Consider a Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasises vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, and includes low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fish, poultry, certain vegetables, oils, and nuts.
Physical activity
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity.
This can include activities like brisk walking, dancing, or gardening.
Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, moderate your intake to recommended limits.
Weight management
Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
Stress management
Stress can negatively impact your heart. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
Regular checkups
Schedule regular health checkups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Medication
If you have high cholesterol or other risk factors, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as statins, to help manage your condition.
Know your numbers
Be aware of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and work with your doctor to manage them effectively.
"These might signal a heart attack, arrhythmia, or acute heart failure. In those cases, every minute counts and you should call 999 or visit A&E," she said.
And hot weather can put extra strain on the heart, particularly in older adults or those with existing cardiovascular issues, Dr Abroon warned.
He said: "Heat can cause dehydration, lower blood pressure and trigger irregular heart rhythms.
"People with heart failure may notice more swelling or feel more breathless in high temperatures."
If you're experiencing symptoms like palpitations, swollen ankles, unexplained fatigue or mild chest discomfort, it's worth seeing your GP.
He added: They can assess whether the issue is likely to be heart-related and carry out checks such as an ECG, blood tests or a referral to a cardiologist if needed.
"Early investigation can help catch potential problems before they become more serious."