Early warning signs for HEART HEALTH

The symptoms may be surprisingly subtle, but spot them and you could do something to keep you and your loved ones safe

- TANYA PEAREY

We all know how important a healthy heart is. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for a quarter of all deaths in the UK, claiming around 170,000 lives each year. But we can do a lot to keep healthy.

'When most people think of heart problems, they picture chest pain or sudden collapse,' says Niamh McMillan, Superdrug's pharmacy superintendent. 'But the early signs can be subtle, such as fatigue, breathlessness or swollen ankles, and can be easy to miss.' Here's what to watch for and when to take action.

Stomach pain

A sore tummy is most often down to digestive issues, such as indigestion, but it can sometimes be a sign of poor heart health. A heart attack can feel like heartburn and stomach discomfort can be a sign of conditions, such as angina or heart failure. Swelling or pain in the top of your tummy may also suggest fluid building up because of heart failure.

When to get help '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,' says Niamh.

PAINFUL ARM

'Arm pain can be a key warning of a heart attack and can feel as though pain is spreading from your chest to your arms,' says Niamh. 'This feeling can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.' When to seek help If you experience unexplained arm pain, as well as these signs, seek medical help immediately.

PAIN IN THE LEG