Learn about common heart symptoms, what they might mean, and when to seek help. If you are experiencing any of these, Dr Gosia Wamil offers expert assessment at clinics in Oxford and London.
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons people see a cardiologist. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp, pressing sensation, and while not all chest pain comes from the heart, it should always be taken seriously and assessed promptly.
Palpitations are the sensation of a racing, pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat. They are very common and often harmless, but they can sometimes signal an underlying heart rhythm problem that needs treatment.
Breathlessness — feeling unable to get enough air — can be a sign of heart disease, particularly heart failure or valve problems. It may occur on exertion, when lying flat, or at rest.
Dizziness, light-headedness and fainting (syncope) can result from a drop in blood pressure, an abnormal heart rhythm, or other cardiac conditions. They should be assessed when they are recurrent or unexplained.
High blood pressure (hypertension) rarely causes symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney disease. It is one of the most important risk factors to detect and manage.
High cholesterol causes no symptoms but leads to the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is one of the most treatable risk factors in cardiology.
An irregular heartbeat is often caused by atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common heart rhythm problem. AF can cause palpitations, breathlessness and fatigue, and it increases the risk of stroke — so early diagnosis matters.