This Morning: Dr Chris discusses heart disease

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The warning signs of heart disease are often ignored by Brits but doing so could be fatal. Heart disease of coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death both in the UK and worldwide. Heart disease is caused by the blood supply being blocked or slowed by a build-up of fatty tissues in the arteries.

Around 11 percent of men and nine percent of women have been diagnosed with some form of heart or circulatory disease in the UK according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Many more go unnoticed as Britons often ignore the warning signs.

What symptoms should you look out for that might indicate a potential heart problem?

Stomach pain or indigestion

A burning sensation or indigestion-type pain in your chest or stomach could point to a heart attack or heart problem.

Indigestion has very similar symptoms to a heart attack so you should not shrug off these feelings.

The BHF recommend you call 111 if you experience this kind of pain.

Chest pain

Brits are often warned this is a classic sign of a heart attack but many will ignore it.

If you experience chest pain this could be a medical emergency and you should dial 999 if you feel extremely unwell.

Brits who have had a heart attack described the symptoms as heaviness, tightness or pressure in the chest.

If chest pains begin when you are exerting yourself but go away when you stop this may still be a cause for concern.

It could indicate angina, this is usually caused by coronary heart disease.

You should still see your GP but this may not require an ambulance or a 999 call.

Feeling sweaty

This is a more unusual symptom that could indicate heart disease.

If you are feeling hot and clammy accompanied by chest pains you should call an ambulance.

This may be the sign of an imminent heart attack.

Jaw or back pain

When heart attacks strike pain can be felt in other parts of the body. 

Pain can even be felt in the jaw, or the back if it persists you could call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Some studies say that women’s symptoms are more likely to vary from ‘classic’ chest pain.

Swollen ankles

Although swollen ankles are common and there are many reasons that can cause this to happen they can also indicate heart failure.

Either way, it’s worth getting to the bottom of so you should book an appointment with your GP.

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