4 signs your heart needs a check-up

A cardiologist tells CAMILLA FOSTER that a little awareness can go a long way

- 

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

It's easy to dismiss tiredness or mild discomfort, but these could be signs that your heart needs attention.

With World Heart Day (September 29) approaching, Dr Oliver Guttmann, consultant cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, shares 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 Dr Guttmann. "It can be subtle, misleading or intermittent."

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

"It is 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.