The leading global cause of death, cardiovascular disease, represents around 32 per cent of all deaths.
Often, risk of dying from the disease can be exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyle habits, including smoking, poor diet and overconsumption of alcohol.
Similarly, the disease - in all its forms - is behind a quarter of all UK deaths. As a result, a pharmacist has outlined the surprising symptoms of poor heart health.
"When most people think of heart problems, they picture chest pain or sudden collapse," Niamh McMillan explained. "But the early signs of poor heart health can be surprisingly subtle such as fatigue, breathlessness, or swollen ankles and therefore can be easy to miss."
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Fatigue
Unexplained, persistent tiredness could be considered an "early warning sign of poor heart health", Niamh explained. If the heart is not pumping correctly, a smaller amount of oxygen-saturated blood can reach muscles and tissues.
As a result, this could lead to an increase in tiredness and weakness, which can be noticed during easy day-to-day activities, including climbing stairs or walking short distances.
Palpitation and high blood pressure
Secondly, frequent or severe palpitations might suggest the presence of an underlying heart condition. However, they can indicate abnormal heart rhythm, which are called arrhythmias, and are similarly caused by a latent condition.
Niamh commented: "One of the most common arrhythmias is atrial fibrillation, which can increase your risk of a stroke. It’s important to pay attention to these sensations, especially if they’re accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, and to seek medical advice to ensure heart health is properly managed."
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High blood pressure - or hypertension - is named as one of the most important risk factors for heart disease, with Niamh explaining that if your blood pressure is too high, it could damage arteries.
Swollen ankles
Swollen ankles or feet can also be a "subtle but important sign of poor heart health".
Niamh explained: "When the heart isn’t pumping as efficiently as it should, it can cause the blood to back up in other areas of the body and can cause fluid to build up, a condition known as oedema.
"While swelling can also result from standing for long periods or other health issues, persistent or unexplained swelling, especially when combined with breathlessness or fatigue, may indicate heart failure or circulation problems. If swelling is ongoing or worsens over time, it's important to seek medical advice."
Unexplained, persistent tiredness could be considered an 'early warning sign of poor heart health'
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Additionally, stomach pain can be a crucial warning sign - although it is often dismissed as indigestion or simply a minor digestive issue, with the pharmacist warning: "If stomach pain is persistent, occurs with exertion, or is accompanied by breathlessness, fatigue, or sweating, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out more serious concerns."
Another symptom can also be as simple as feeling sweaty - particularly when it's excessive or unexplained in nature. It is crucial to seek urgent medical attention if you experience chest pains alongside feeling hot.
And, finally, leg pain or cramping in your calves could be down to peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a condition driven by narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the legs and can increase your risk of coronary heart disease or stroke.
"Arm pain can be a key warning sign of a heart attack and can feel as though pain is spreading from your chest to your arms. This feeling can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath," Niamh alerted.
If you are worried about any symptoms or experiences, it is crucial to consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
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