"Only 46% Knew Leg Swelling Is a Sign": Heart Disease Symptoms Often Missed, Doctor Warns

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally, impacting an estimated one in 12 people. Despite its prevalence, many individuals still struggle to identify key symptoms some of which may not seem obviously related to the heart.

According to a recent survey by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, only 46 per cent of adults in the UK recognised leg swelling as a possible symptom of heart disease, as reported by Surrey Live. In contrast, 80 per cent identified chest pain, the most common and widely known symptom.

“Chest pain that feels like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness could signal a heart attack,” says Dr Bhavini Shah, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. In such cases, she advises calling 999 immediately.

Other symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Extreme fatigue
Irregular heartbeat
Swelling in the legs

Dr Shah explains that shortness of breath occurs when the heart fails to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. Irregular heart rhythms may also suggest heart issues and should be investigated, even if not immediately serious.

Extreme fatigue, often dismissed, is another warning sign. “If daily activities or light exercise become exhausting, it’s time to seek medical advice,” Dr Shah adds.

Less widely recognised, however, is oedema, or leg swelling, caused by fluid collecting in tissue due to poor circulation. Despite being a legitimate symptom of heart disease, fewer than half of those surveyed knew about it.

How to Lower Your Risk

To reduce the risk of heart disease, Dr Shah offers several tips:

Eat healthily: Lower fat intake, eat more fibre, and reduce salt. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended by the NHS.
Stay active: Just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 35 per cent, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Quit smoking: Cigarette smoke damages arteries and impairs the body’s ability to process cholesterol.
Drink less alcohol: Stick to no more than 14 units per week, spread across several days.
Get enough sleep: Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly. Poor sleep habits are linked to increased heart disease risk.

If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect heart trouble, don’t wait call 999 or see your GP immediately. Early detection could save your life.

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