CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Am I at risk of heart disease?
Heart disease can develop quietly over many years, often without obvious symptoms, making early awareness and assessment vital. Yet it remains one of the UK’s leading causes of death. According to the British Heart Foundation, 7.6 million people in the UK are currently living with cardiovascular disease, including over four million men and 3.6 million women.
This demonstrates that heart disease is far more common than many realise. Dr Gajen Sunthar Kanaganayagam, Consultant Cardiologist at The Harley Street Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK, explains the key symptoms and risk factors to look for to help people seek early diagnosis and access the right cardiac care sooner.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a general term for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. One common type is coronary heart disease, which happens when fatty plaque collects in the coronary arteries.
This plaque can make the arteries narrower and limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Heart disease is sometimes called cardiovascular disease. This term covers all diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. It includes coronary heart disease, inherited heart conditions and other problems, such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, heart valve disease and stroke.
Understanding the different types of heart disease is an important first step towards recognising symptoms early and seeking the right care.
What are the warning signs of heart disease?
While some people may suffer a heart attack or stroke with no warning, there are some symptoms to look out for. The five most common signs of heart disease are:
1. Angina
This is chest pain or discomfort in the central chest area. It’s caused by the heart not getting enough oxygenated blood. The tightness will often become worse with exertion, and the sensation can radiate up to the jaw and into the left arm.
The pain can be described as stabbing or burning in the chest. The level of pain can vary, and sometimes it’s confused with indigestion. If angina occurs, it can be a sign of heart disease and the narrowing of the arteries.
2. Breathlessness
Some people, particularly if you’re older, may not get angina but experience breathlessness. This can occur when walking up the stairs or a slope, and is often a sign of a leaky heart valve or heart failure. It indicates the heart is unable to pump blood throughout the body properly.
If you notice you're getting short of breath, it’s recommended to have it checked out. Treatment may include medications to manage heart failure or surgical and non-surgical procedures to fix problems with the heart valve.
3. Dizzy spells
Aortic stenosis, a severe narrowing in one of the heart’s valves, is a common heart disorder in those aged 75 and over. The symptoms of this condition include dizziness, chest tightness and breathlessness. If you experience any of these symptoms, regardless of your age, you should see your doctor.
Aortic stenosis can worsen if left undiagnosed and untreated. In more severe cases, it can affect long-term health and survival. The positive news is that early diagnosis often allows the condition to be treated successfully with surgery or minimally invasive valve replacement.
4. Swelling in your legs and ankles
This is one of the most overlooked symptoms, but if your legs and ankles are frequently swollen or swell for a few days at a time, it could indicate heart failure or a valve problem. While swelling after a long day or journey can be normal, if it persists, it needs to be checked out.
Also known as peripheral oedema, you can test your swelling by gently pressing your thumb down over the area for 10 seconds. If it leaves a dent, you may have a build-up of fluid in your soft tissue.
5. Heart palpitations
If you have a fluttering sensation in your chest or an irregular heart rhythm, it may be atrial fibrillation, also known as AF. If not managed, it can lead to a stroke. Other symptoms also include breathlessness and dizziness.
Atrial fibrillation can be treated with medications, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers or with procedures, including cardiac catheter ablation and cardioversion, to restore the heart’s rhythm.
If any of these symptoms are sudden, severe or worsening, or if you experience chest pain at rest, you should seek urgent medical attention.
Can I reduce my risk of heart disease?
Yes, you can. Regular checks of your blood pressure and cholesterol can help lower your risk. Simple lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. Eating a balanced diet, being more active, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, reducing your alcohol intake and managing stress can all help reduce risk.
Recognising symptoms early and seeking expert advice can significantly improve outcomes for many heart conditions.
Our consultant cardiologists offer expert assessment, diagnosis and personalised treatment plans, tailored to your individual needs. Click here to learn more about heart care at HCA UK. If you’re concerned about heart disease and your overall heart health, book an appointment with our cardiology specialists by calling +44 (0)20 7616 4988.
Even if you’re not experiencing any problems, you can still check your cardiac health. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind or want to better understand your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, you can arrange a comprehensive Heart Health Check with one of our specialist cardiologists. Call us today on +44 (0)20 3811 4718.