Chest pressure on exertion

A tightness, pressure or heaviness in the chest that comes on when you climb stairs or hurry, and eases when you rest, is a classic sign that the heart is not getting enough blood. It does not have to be a sharp pain. Many people describe it as an ache, a weight, or simply a feeling that something is not right.

Discomfort that spreads to the arm, neck, jaw or back, or that comes with sweating, nausea or breathlessness, should never wait for a routine appointment. Call our 24/7 emergency line on 9873 immediately.

Breathlessness that is new

Everyone gets out of breath after a hard run. The sign to watch for is breathlessness doing things that used to be easy, such as a short walk or a flight of stairs, or waking at night needing to sit up to breathe. These can mean the heart is struggling to pump efficiently and fluid is building up in the lungs.

Swollen ankles or feet by the end of the day, especially together with breathlessness, point the same way. These changes are often gradual, which is exactly why people adjust to them instead of getting them checked.

Racing heart, fainting

A racing, pounding or irregular heartbeat that comes out of nowhere, lasts more than a few minutes, or leaves you dizzy, is worth investigating. So is any episode of fainting or nearly fainting, particularly during exercise. Both can be harmless, but both can also signal a rhythm problem that is simple to treat once it is identified.

A strong family history

If a parent or sibling had a heart attack, stroke or heart surgery before sixty, your own risk is higher, even if you feel perfectly well. Add high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking or high cholesterol and the case for a check becomes stronger. Habari’s Cardiology department offers ECG, echocardiogram and stress testing under one roof, so a single visit can give you clear answers.