More than 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart or circulatory diseases
More than 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart or circulatory diseases, according to the British Heart Foundation. It’s also estimated that one in 12 people is affected by the disease globally.
Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is often caused by fatty deposits in the arteries, and this can cause a higher risk of blood clots.
It can also cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. Some blood tests are able to measure different types of fats within the body.
With February marking National Heart Month, LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor surveyed 500 UK respondents to find out how much they know about the symptoms of heart disease. Lloyds’ Dr Bhavini Shah explains these symptoms in detail and shares practical steps on how to reduce your risk.
Symptoms of heart disease
Chest pain is a common symptom of heart disease. Chest pain that feels like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness could be a symptom of a heart attack, and it’s essential to dial 999, reports the Mirror. Of those who were surveyed, 80% identified chest pain as a symptom, making it the most recognised overall.
Alongside this, 77% correctly identified shortness of breath as a symptom. Dr Shah explains that if the heart isn’t pumping enough blood throughout the body, fluid may build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and leading to shortness of breath.
Irregular heart rhythms can also indicate heart disease, something 70% of people recognised. Whilst this might not be directly linked to a serious condition, it’s important to get this checked to understand any underlying issues.
A total of 66% of surveyed respondents acknowledged that extreme fatigue can also be a symptom, making day-to-day activities or mild exercise exhausting.
Dr Shah also says that leg swelling, medically known as oedema, is a less well-known symptom of heart disease and occurs when fluid builds up in the tissue. This can worsen throughout the day. Less than half (46%) were aware of this.
If you have any of these symptoms and are concerned you may be at risk of a heart attack, it’s essential to dial 999. Additionally, seek medical attention from a GP.
How to reduce your risk of heart disease
Eat healthily
Cutting down on fat intake is an effective way to not only lower your risk of coronary heart disease but also help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to the NHS, a high-fibre, low-fat diet is recommended and should include at least five servings of fruit and vegetables, as well as whole grains (oats, rye and brown rice).
The NHS also advises limiting salt intake to no more than 6g per day and avoiding saturated fats, as they can increase cholesterol levels. Get active Dr Shah recommends maintaining an active lifestyle to ward off heart disease. The British Heart Foundation states that regular physical activity can cut your heart disease risk by as much as 35%.
Remaining physically active also assists in controlling blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels. Health experts suggest participating in a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise weekly. Whether it involves brisk walking, cycling, swimming or joining fitness sessions, discovering an enjoyable activity could support consistency and help maintain healthy habits.
Stop smoking
The charity Action on Smoking and Health explains that cigarette smoking harms arterial walls, particularly the coronary arteries. A substance known as acrolein disrupts the body’s cholesterol processing capabilities, resulting in elevated bloodstream levels.
Reduce alcohol consumption
A further method to lower heart disease risk involves drinking alcohol moderately. NHS guidance states that both men and women should consume no more than 14 units of alcohol weekly, with these units distributed across a minimum of three days rather than consumed in one session.
Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to elevated blood pressure. Consistently exceeding the recommended 14 weekly units over a decade can heighten your chances of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke.
Get enough sleep
It’s crucial to ensure adequate rest each night. Insufficient sleep may heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A healthy adult requires between seven and nine hours nightly. Teenagers, children and infants will need more, anywhere from eight to 16 hours.
Making modest yet achievable adjustments to your daily habits can have a significant impact on your cardiovascular health.