Heart problems do not always announce themselves with dramatic chest pain. Often the first signs are small, easy to explain away and easy to ignore. As a cardiologist, I see many patients who noticed something months earlier but did not think it was worth a visit.
Here are seven quiet signals that are worth mentioning to a doctor, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of heart disease.
1. Getting out of breath more easily
If stairs or a walk you used to manage now leave you breathless, it can be a sign that your heart is working harder than it should.
2. Swollen ankles or feet
Fluid build-up at the end of the day can happen when the heart is not pumping as efficiently as usual.
A check-up takes an hour. Most heart conditions are far easier to treat when they are found early.
3. A racing or fluttering heartbeat
Occasional skipped beats are common, but palpitations that are frequent, long or come with dizziness should be checked with an ECG.
Other signs to look out for
- Unusual tiredness that does not improve with rest
- Discomfort in the jaw, neck, back or arm during activity
- Snoring with pauses in breathing at night
- Dizziness or fainting when standing up
When to book a screening
If any of these sound familiar, book a heart screening. At Medica it includes a consultation, ECG, blood tests and an echocardiogram, usually in one morning, with results explained before you leave.
If you have chest pain, severe breathlessness or signs of a stroke, call 911 straight away.