Listening to your heart: how to spot symptoms and when to see a specialist

What are the heart symptoms to look out for?

When it comes to your heart health, I recommend paying attention to any changes in your heartbeat, circulation, breathing and chest tightness. While these changes don’t always mean something serious is happening, they can be important indicators. Even if symptoms are vague or intermittent, it’s still worth seeking advice as heart symptoms aren’t always clear-cut.

In my clinic, a common discussion I have with patients relates to changes in how their heart is beating. If you have noticed a fluttering feeling, your heart racing inappropriately to a situation, or an unusual awareness of your heartbeat, it may be worth checking with your GP.

Dizziness or fainting should also be taken seriously, as they may suggest that blood flow around the body isn’t quite right. Another important clue is breathlessness or reduced stamina. If everyday activities you normally manage, such as walking upstairs, carrying shopping, or exercising, start to feel noticeably harder, your heart/circulation may be struggling to cope and should be checked out.

Chest tightness or discomfort is another symptom that deserves prompt attention, particularly if it spreads to the arms, neck, or jaw. This can be a sign that the heart muscle isn’t getting enough blood, often due to narrowed or blocked arteries. This is particularly concerning if related to exertion or cold and is relieved by rest.

How do I know if I’m at risk of heart problems?

Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump blood efficiently around the body. Risk tends to increase as we get older, as arteries stiffen over time due to the build-up of cholesterol and other substances. Conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes also raise the risk, as does a family history of heart disease.

However, it is important to remember that heart problems don’t just affect older people. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, recreational drug use, excess alcohol consumption, and obesity can put strain on the heart at any age. Even younger adults, with no obvious risk factors, can be affected.

It’s why listening to your body and seeking advice when something doesn’t feel right is so important, particularly as we get older.

What should I do if I'm worried?

If you’re concerned about your heart, a good first step is to speak with your GP, who can refer you to a cardiologist if needed. You can also see a cardiologist directly.

Cardiologists tend to specialise in different areas. Some focus on heart rhythm problems (often described as the heart’s ‘electrical’ side), while others specialise in the heart’s structure (valves, and arteries).

If you’re experiencing palpitations or irregular heartbeats, a rhythm specialist may be appropriate. If your symptoms include chest tightness, fatigue, or dizziness, a coronary specialist may be more relevant. Most good cardiologists will give you the appropriate assessment and if needed, refer on if there is a particular problem.

What happens at a cardiology appointment?

After an initial consultation, your cardiologist may recommend tests to better understand how your heart is functioning. A common first investigation is an ECG, which records the electrical activity of the heart and can show heart rhythm issues, previous heart damage, or signs of strain.

You may also be referred for an echocardiogram, an ultrasound scan that looks at the heart’s structure and how well it pumps. These tests are non-invasive similar to a pregnancy scan and provide valuable insight into your heart health.

What if I feel fine but know I’m at higher risk?

Many people seek advice not because of symptoms, but because of family history or known risk factors. In these cases, we offer a heart health screening - checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar through a simple blood test.

These checks help identify whether lifestyle changes or preventative treatment could protect your heart in the future, allowing you to move forward with confidence.

Be aware, trust your instincts

If you are experiencing any symptoms or something doesn’t feel right, book an appointment with one of our GPs. 

Being heart aware now can help you make informed decisions about your heart care in the future.