In the UK, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by a circulatory or heart problem. For men, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, yet it often produces little to no symptoms. Approximately 7 million people are thought to currently have undiagnosed high blood pressure, one of the leading risk factors of the condition.
Spotting the hidden signs of a heart problem is crucial if you want to live a long, happy life. So, what are the signs to watch out for and when should you seek help?
What are the hidden signs of a heart problem?
Heart problems aren’t always easy to spot. However, there are some hidden signs you can watch out for. Swollen feet, non-chest pain, and memory loss are just three potential signs there could be an underlying issue. Let’s explore some of these hidden signs below…
Swollen feet – Are your shoes feeling tighter? Or maybe you are experiencing visible swelling in the feet with no obvious explanation. If so, it could be a sign of reduced circulation. As the blood flow slows down, the blood that returns to the heart gets backed up, causing it to build up in the ankles, feet, and legs.
Non-chest pain – Heart problems can also lead to pain that isn’t necessarily in the chest. Sometimes, it can develop in the shoulders, neck, and jaw. This is down to the pain messages that run down the nerves, overwhelming nearby nerves.
Memory loss – If the brain isn’t receiving enough blood, it can lead to muddled thinking and memory loss. When left untreated, it can cause significant damage to the brain cells.
Dizziness – Conditions such as an irregular heartbeat, can cause you to feel randomly dizzy. You may feel faint or light-headed at random times of the day. These symptoms can also be a sign of a heart attack so if there is no explanation for the dizziness, it is worth getting it checked out by a doctor.
Erectile dysfunction – In men, erectile dysfunction can be caused by cardiovascular issues. If you are struggling to perform in the bedroom, it could be down to your heart.
Reduced exercise tolerance – Any trouble with the heart can lead to problems when exercising. If you have suddenly realised you can’t do as much exercise as usual without feeling tired, it could be a sign you need to get your heart checked.
These are some of the most popular hidden signs of a heart problem. So, when do you know if it’s time to seek help?
Seeking help for a suspected heart problem
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it would be worth getting checked over by a healthcare professional. When it comes to issues with the heart, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Dr. Konrad Grosser provides a detailed Cardio Health Screening involving a consultation, a thorough physical examination and cardiovascular assessment that includes scans and blood tests. You will come away with detailed results and recommendations for both you and your GP.
Most of the symptoms can likely be easily explained away and will be nothing to worry about. However, if there is an underlying problem you will be able to get it treated quickly if you spot the early signs of a heart problem.
