Feeling unusually tired, becoming short of breath more easily than before, or noticing an irregular heartbeat can be easy to dismiss as stress or a busy lifestyle. But heart specialists say these changes are sometimes worth paying closer attention to.
According to information shared by Australia's Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and reported by LADbible, heart disease does not always begin with the symptom most people expect.
Professor Jason Kovacic, a cardiologist and Institute Professor at the research centre, says many warning signs can appear long before a serious cardiac event occurs. The NHS also notes that cardiovascular disease remains one of the world's leading causes of death.
It's not always chest pain
Chest pain is still one of the best-known symptoms of heart disease, but experts say it is far from the only one. Some people experience discomfort in the upper abdomen or shoulder instead, while others notice changes that seem unrelated to the heart.
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Because these symptoms often overlap with less serious conditions, they are frequently dismissed or explained away, delaying medical assessment.
Symptoms worth checking
Cardiologists say people should seek medical advice if they develop persistent or unexplained symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath.
- Heart palpitations.
- Dizziness.
- Unusual fatigue.
- Fainting or blackouts.
- Pain in the shoulder or upper abdomen.
These symptoms do not automatically mean someone has heart disease, but they should not be ignored if they continue or become more severe.
Early assessment matters
The NHS says that, for some people, the first sign of cardiovascular disease can unfortunately be angina, a heart attack, or a stroke. That is why specialists encourage people to have concerning symptoms evaluated before they develop into something more serious.
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The message from heart experts is not to assume the worst, but to recognise that heart disease can present in different ways. Identifying potential problems early may improve treatment options and reduce the risk of serious complications.
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