Experts have urged Brits to watch out for signs of deadly heart failure that could appear in the bathroom mirror.
While many associate problems like breathlessness and chest pain with the condition, doctors say changes to the face can be just as reliable an indicator.
A swollen, red or greying face are all telltale signs that the organ is not pumping enough oxygenated blood around the body, according to Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy.
‘Understanding the telltale signs that the heart isn’t functioning properly can be the difference between life and death,’ he said.
Heart failure affects a million Brits in the UK, and it usually develops because the organ has become too stiff or weak.
While it can’t be cured, treatments and lifestyle interventions can ease the symptoms and improve quality of life.
However, the signs are often mistaken for other conditions, like asthma or hormonal problems, meaning patients access therapies too late — when the illness has progressed.
Dr Grant said the first change in appearance to watch out for is swelling in the middle of the face.
Facial changes such as swelling in the face could indicate oedema, where fluid is retained due to heart failure
This could indicate fluid retention, known medically as oedema, which happens when blood isn’t being pumped to the kidneys properly, making it harder for the organ to remove salt and water.
Fluid retention can cause people to suddenly gain weight as well as appear swollen, the British Heart Foundation explains.
‘Discolouration is another huge sign,’ Dr Grant added. ‘This includes blue lips and grey skin on the face — with both indicating poor blood flow and circulation which could stem from low oxygen levels in the blood.’
When the heart is failing, the organ is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
Another giveaway is a red-tinged face.
This is because a flushed face is an indication of high blood pressure which is a leading risk factor for heart failure.
High blood pressure causes blood vessels under the skin to dilate, triggering a red colour in the face. It can also put extra strain on the heart, damaging the muscle and over time, leading to heart failure.
‘This is a major risk factor for heart disease and I strongly advise anyone experiencing any of these symptoms to have an open conversation with their GP about the next best steps,’ warns Dr Grant.
There are also a host of other symptoms that should never be dismissed.
Although shortness of breath can be triggered by many conditions including asthma or respiratory viruses like Covid, Dr Grant warns that it is a ‘massive signifier’ of heart disease.
‘When the heart is unable to pump blood fast enough, veins can quickly become backed up, causing fluid to leak into the lungs — this can cause shortness of breath,’ he explained.
‘Additionally, an absence of oxygen-rich blood may influence shortness of breath as an individual fights to get more oxygen by breathing quicker.’
While some warning signs (pictured) are easy to spot — such as severe chest pain — others are more vague and hard to pinpoint
He added that shortness of breath is especially concerning if it occurs while doing very little.
Heart palpitations are another key sign that the heart is struggling to function normally.
Although feelings of a fast-beating or fluttering heart can be triggered by drinking too much caffeine, certain medications and anxiety, Dr Grant warned that it is also a common heart condition, arrhythmia.
‘Arrhythmia is also known as an irregular heartbeat and can cause heartbeats to slow or rapidly speed up.
‘If left untreated, it can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, heart failure and stroke, so acting fast is essential to avoid the risk of death,’ Dr Grant said.
This irregular beat can weaken the heart muscle, making it harder for blood to be pumped around the body, and can be a precursor to heart failure, according to the NHS.
While there are many reasons someone may feel tired especially during a stressful time of year, exhaustion can be a warning sign of heart failure.
‘Unexplained tiredness and weakness could signify heart failure, meaning it’s crucial to monitor energy levels and seek medical attention should this dramatically decrease,’ Dr Grant said.
The Wanted star Max George has sparked concern after revealing he’s been hospitalised with heart problems
Heart failure can make you feel tired because the body is working harder to pump oxygen-rich blood to key organs.
‘When our bodies can’t pump enough blood, they prioritise blood to our brains and heart, meaning muscles can feel weaker, leaving people more drained. Therefore, keep a close eye on muscle strength and tiredness this winter,’ Dr Grant said.
Other symptoms include feeling sick, dizzy and sweaty.
Dr Grant’s warning comes after The Wanted star Max George was hospitalised with heart problems earlier this month.
Fans were shocked that the 36-year-old has been struck down with troubles that are traditionally associated with older people with far less healthy lifestyles.
‘Following the news of Max George, it’s an important reminder of how crucial it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle while monitoring symptoms to ensure individuals catch any potential health risks as early as possible,’ said Dr Grant.
But the ultra-fit athletic singer is far from the only young and seemingly healthy man to suffer heart problems — which are, more often than not, life-threatening.
In fact, the number of younger people with deadly heart problems, including heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases is rising.
Heart attacks in people aged 25-29 have almost doubled over the last decade, while the number of patients under 40 have risen by a quarter, NHS data from last year shows.
Around 49,000 people under the age of 75 in the UK die from heart and circulatory disease, including heart failure each year, according to the British Heart Foundation.
However, heart failure predominantly affects people over the age of 75.
Overall heart and circulatory disease causes around a quarter of all deaths in the UK a year, the charity adds.
It’s a long term condition that get’s worse over time but the prognosis varies depending on the patient and their disease, according to the NHS.
Obesity, drinking too much alcohol and smoking can lead to the disease.
Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are common treatments in addition to medicine and surgery. In most cases treatment is needed for life, the NHS adds.
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