Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for overall wellbeing, hence recognising risk factors and symptoms of heart issues is essential.
Mr Shyam Kolvekar, is a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at St Bartholomew’s Hospital London with private practices at The Harley Street Clinic, Barts Heart Centre, The Wellington Hospital and The Royal Free Private,
He has highlighted seven general signs to be aware of.
1. Chest pain or discomfort
Often described as a squeezing sensation, pressure, fullness, or pain in the chest that may last for a few minutes or come and go.
2. Shortness of breath
Experiencing breathlessness or difficulty breathing, which may occur with or without chest discomfort.
3. Fatigue
Unexplained tiredness or weakness, particularly if it’s more severe than usual or not relieved by rest.
4. Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body
This can include discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, reports the Express.
5. Nausea or lightheadedness
Feeling sick or dizzy, which may be accompanied by cold sweats.
6. Irregular heartbeats
Experiencing palpitations, a rapid heart rate, or an irregular heartbeat.
7. Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
This can be a sign of heart failure, where the heart is not pumping blood effectively.
There are various conditions that can affect the heart, and symptoms for each may vary, advised Mr Kolvekar.
Angina
Chest discomfort or pain can be a sign that the heart muscle isn’t getting enough blood and oxygen, often due to constricted coronary arteries. “This could indicate coronary artery disease (CAD),” explained Mr Kolvekar.
Heart attack (myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to a section of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, causing damage. “Symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath could suggest a heart attack,” Mr Kolvekar warned.
Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition where the heart fails to pump blood effectively. “This can result in symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and swelling in the legs and feet,” Mr Kolvekar noted.
Arrhythmias
Irregular heartbeats, palpitations, or a fast heart rate can be triggered by various arrhythmias, which are irregularities in the heart’s electrical system.
Valvular heart disease
Valvular heart disease can cause symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath due to issues with the heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking).
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Persistent high blood pressure, or hypertension, can put strain on the heart and arteries, heightening the risk of heart disease over time.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle becomes weak or enlarged, impacting its ability to pump blood efficiently.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), can lead to chest pain, particularly when taking deep breaths or lying down.
Mr Kolvekar has emphasised the significance of recognising that certain symptoms could be attributed to a range of medical issues, and that a healthcare professional is the most qualified person to identify the exact cause.
He stressed: “If you experience symptoms suggestive of heart issues, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management. Early detection and intervention are essential for improving outcomes in heart-related conditions.”
He also noted the importance of being aware of risk factors such as family history of heart disease, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and age, which can elevate the risk of heart complications.
“Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for maintaining heart health,” Mr Kolvekar advised. The Heart Surgeon’s Cookbook is an ingenious creation by New York-based Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon Dr Nirav Patel MD alongside Fredrik Berselius, who boasts two Michelin stars and ownership of Aska restaurant in New York.
They rose to the challenge presented by global medtech company Getinge to produce a cookbook, which celebrates the skillset required in both cardiac surgery and culinary arts and functions as an innovative training tool for heart surgeons at any stage of their career.
