A GP has warned of a lesser-known heart disease symptom in the leg that can get worse “throughout the day”. According to a new survey, less than 50% of people were aware this was a warning sign of the dangerous condition.
More than 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart or circulatory diseases, statistics from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) show. It’s also estimated that one in 12 people are affected by the disease globally.
Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.
It is often caused by fatty deposits in the arteries, and this can cause a higher risk of blood clots.
It can also cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. As is the case with any disease, the sooner you spot the symptoms the sooner you can get the treatment you need.
However, some symptoms are less known than others. Doctor Bhavini Shah, GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, shared the key symptoms you should look out for.
This included swelling in the leg. Dr Shah explained that leg swelling, medically known as oedema, is a “less well-known symptom” of heart disease and occurs when fluid builds up in the tissue. “This can worsen throughout the day,” she said.
However, a LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor survey of 500 people in the UK found that less than half (46%) of respondents knew this was a symptom. The NHS warns that this is a common symptom of heart failure – a condition that means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. It could also affect the ankles.
Heart failure usually happens because the heart has become too weak or stiff. Although it cannot usually be cured, the symptoms can often be controlled for many years.
She listed other potential symptoms of heart disease as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
Chest pain that feels like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness could be a symptom of a heart attack, and it’s essential to dial 999. Of those who were surveyed, 80% identified chest pain as a symptom, making it the most recognised overall.
Alongside this, 77% correctly identified shortness of breath as a symptom. Dr Shah explained that if the heart isn’t pumping enough blood throughout the body, fluid may build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and leading to shortness of breath.
Irregular heart rhythms can also be an indication of heart disease, which 70% of people were aware of. Whilst this might not be directly linked to a serious condition, it’s important to get this checked to understand any underlying issues.
And 66% of surveyed respondents acknowledged that extreme fatigue can also be a symptom, making day-to-day activities or mild exercise exhausting. If you have any of these symptoms and are concerned you may be at risk of a heart attack, it’s essential to dial 999. Additionally, seek medical attention from a GP.
To reduce your risk of heart disease Dr Shah advised:
- Eating healthily
- Getting active
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Getting quality sleep
She said: “Making small but manageable changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on your heart health.”
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