Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet it rarely arrives without warning. The early signs are often subtle and easy to blame on age, stress or being unfit. Recognising them – and acting early – can prevent a heart attack and protect your quality of life for years.
Warning signs to take seriously
- Chest discomfort on exertion – pressure, heaviness or tightness that eases with rest
- Breathlessness doing activities you previously managed easily, or waking at night short of breath
- Unusual fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Palpitations – a racing, fluttering or irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs
- Dizziness or fainting, especially during activity
- Pain spreading to the jaw, shoulder, arm or upper back with exertion
Chest pain that is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or comes with sweating, nausea or breathlessness is an emergency – go to hospital at once, do not drive yourself.
Know and control your risk factors
High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and a family history of early heart disease all raise your risk – and most can be improved. Check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol at least once a year, even if you feel well. These conditions usually cause no symptoms until damage is done.
Daily habits that protect your heart
Walk briskly for at least 30 minutes on most days, cut down salt, sugar and fried food, eat more vegetables, fruit and whole grains, keep a healthy weight, sleep 7-8 hours, and do not smoke. Small habits, repeated daily, protect your heart more than any short burst of effort.
Concerned about your heart? Book a cardiac checkup – blood pressure, ECG, cholesterol and a consultation – and know where you stand.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Chest pain is an emergency – seek immediate hospital care.