Am I at risk of 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.