Know the warning signs

Most aches and flutters are not a heart attack. But some symptoms should never be ignored — and knowing which is which, and when to act fast, can save a life.

Call 999 now if…

Some symptoms are an emergency. Call 999 immediately if you or someone else has any of these — do not wait to see if it passes:

Central chest pain or tightness lasting more than a few minutes, or spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
Chest discomfort with sweating, nausea or breathlessness
Sudden, severe breathlessness
Fainting or collapse

Chest pain

Not all chest pain comes from the heart, but pain or tightness brought on by exertion and eased by rest (angina) should be assessed promptly. New, severe or persistent chest pain is an emergency.

Breathlessness

Feeling breathless doing things that were easy before, breathlessness when lying flat, or waking short of breath, can be a sign of a heart problem and should be checked.

Palpitations

Occasionally noticing your heartbeat is common. But palpitations that are frequent, last a long time, or come with dizziness, chest pain or fainting should be assessed.

Swelling and fatigue

Swollen ankles or legs, or unusual and persistent tiredness, can be signs that the heart is not keeping up. On their own they have many causes, but they are worth mentioning to a doctor.

Trust your instinct

If something feels wrong with your heart, get it checked. It is always better to be seen and reassured than to wait.