Your heart beats around 100,000 times a day to pump blood throughout your body — delivering oxygen and nutrients that keep everything functioning smoothly. Yet, many of us ignore the early warning signs of heart trouble. Here are six key symptoms that could point to a weak heart, and what action you should take.
YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO HOLD THINGS
Holding everyday items like shopping bags or milk cartons might have become more difficult. Your heart could be partly to blame. A weakened heart may struggle to supply enough oxygenated blood to your muscles, including those in your hands — reducing grip strength.
What to do:
If this is your only symptom, there’s probably no cause for concern. But if it’s accompanied by breathlessness or chest pain, see your GP.
INDIGESTION-LIKE CHEST PAIN
A burning sensation in your chest isn’t always indigestion. Chest pain that mimics indigestion could actually be a sign of a heart issue. This is especially true if it comes on during physical exertion and fades with rest.
What to do:
If you regularly feel this type of discomfort, particularly during activity rather than after meals, make sure to see your doctor. It’s important to rule out angina or other heart-related conditions.
A CHOKING SENSATION OR THROAT TIGHTNESS
A tight or choking feeling in the throat during physical activity can also be linked to heart problems like angina. This happens when narrowed arteries restrict blood flow, causing a build-up of lactic acid.
What to do: This is a red flag for heart disease and should be assessed by your GP. Symptoms that progress quickly or worsen with minimal exertion require prompt attention.
SWOLLEN ANKLES
Notice your ankles puffing up? This is a common sign of heart failure. The heart struggles to pump blood efficiently. This inefficiency causes fluid to pool in the lower limbs, especially after standing for a while.
What to do: Swollen ankles can result from weight, medications, or varicose veins. It’s still wise to mention it to your GP. Do this particularly if you also feel tired or breathless.
ACHING CALVES DURING ACTIVITY
Pain in your legs during walking or exercise — especially in the calves, behind the knee, or buttocks— may point to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Narrowing arteries and poor circulation often cause this. It typically affects people who smoke or have high blood pressure or cholesterol.
What to do: If the pain goes away with rest, mention it to your doctor. But if the ache persists at rest, it’s urgent — seek medical advice immediately.
PAIN IN THE SHOULDERS, ARMS, OR JAW
Heart-related pain doesn’t always appear in the chest. Discomfort in the left arm, shoulder, or jaw — especially during exertion — can be a sign of your heart not receiving enough oxygen.
Get checked if this occurs with activity. But if you feel this while resting, take an aspirin and go to A&E immediately — it could be a heart attack.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Not all of these symptoms mean your heart is failing — but when in doubt, don’t ignore them. Your heart works tirelessly for you. It’s time to return the favor with regular checkups and early intervention if things feel off.
