10 Most Common Heart Disease Symptoms
1. Chest Pain
Note. Sometimes pain from the heart doesnt primarily affect the chest. It can present as pain like indigestion, or pain in the upper central abdomen. If unsure, call NHS 111 for advice.
2. Arm, Jaw or Back Pain
Chest pain that spreads to other parts of the body, such as the arm, jaw, neck or back, can be a sign of a heart attack. But it can also start in those areas. Seek immediate medical attention if the pain doesn’t go away.
3. Feeling Sweaty and Sick
4. Collapse or Fainting
This can be a presentation of tightened aortic valve (called aortic stenosis), low blood pressure due to heart failure or a slow abnormal heart rhythm (e.g. ‘slow AF’; see point 9 below). See a doctor soon if you collapse or faint for no apparent reason, three times or more.
5. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath (SOB) can be a marker of heart failure, especially if it comes on when you lie down at night (called orthopnoea). If SOB comes on rapidly when you are asleep, its called paroxsymal nocturnal dyspnoea. See a doctor soon if you get these symptoms.
6. Swollen Ankles
Swollen ankles can be a sign of heart failure. See a doctor soon if you get this symptom.
7. Leg Pain
8. Extreme Fatigue
9. Palpitations
This means rapidly becoming aware of your heartbeat, often feeling like it’s racing and missing beats. It can be due to a irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (or ‘A fib’ or ‘AF). lf your heart is beating erratically, consult your GP, especially if you experience blackouts.
Note. AF can be fast (‘fast AF’) or slow (‘slow AF’) – see point 4 above.
10. Other Symptoms
