Listen to your heart

HEART issues are often associated with older age or sudden health emergencies, but in some instances your heart might be giving you gentle warnings well before things become serious.

- BY CAMILLA FOSTER

In the rush of everyday life, it's easy to dismiss tiredness or mild discomfort, but these seemingly minor inconveniences could be signs that your heart needs attention.

With World Heart Day (September 29) approaching, we spoke to Dr Oliver Guttmann, consultant cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, who shared four subtle signs that could indicate it's time for a heart checkup.

1. Chest pain or discomfort

"Chest pain is the most recognised warning sign of heart problems, but it rarely feels like the dramatic 'crushing' pain seen in films," clarifies Guttmann. "It can be subtle, misleading or intermittent."

The cardiologist explains that it is more likely to feel like pressure, heaviness, or tightness across the chest.

"It's sometimes described as a band squeezing the chest," he says. "People also may experience a burning or aching sensation that resembles heartburn or indigestion and/or pain radiating to the arms (often the left), shoulders, neck, jaw, or back.

"In daily life you might feel a squeezing sensation when hurrying to catch a train which eases after sitting down, or a dull ache across the chest while climbing stairs at work."

These symptoms may indicate angina, caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.