HEART WARNING SIGNS TO SPOT and what to do about them

Here are the actions you should take if you experience key symptoms

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A healthy heart is crucial to wellbeing but problems with it affect so many of us. Heart and circulatory diseases are the world's biggest killers, and more than seven million people in the UK are living with heart and circulatory disease problems*, with many more harbouring heart issues that may not even be known about. But we can all watch for signs that we may need help.

'Heart issues can strike at any age,' says GP Dr Donald Grant, senior clinical advisor at theindependentpharmacy.co.uk. 'Understanding the telltale signs that the heart isn't functioning properly can be the difference between life and death, allowing people to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.'

Here's what to look out for.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

'First, while shortness of breath can stem from many conditions, it's a massive signifier of heart disease,' says Dr Grant. 'When the heart is unable to pump blood fast enough, veins can quickly become backed up, causing fluid to leak into the lungs — this can cause shortness of breath. Additionally, an absence of oxygen-rich blood may influence shortness of breath as an individual fights to get more oxygen by breathing quicker.'

WHAT TO DO