If your chest feels tight, you’re out of breath after a short walk, or you notice an odd flutter, it could be more than just fatigue. Those moments often signal that something’s off with your heart. Understanding the root causes, recognizing early symptoms, and knowing how to manage medication can keep you from heading straight to the emergency room.
Most heart trouble starts with blocked arteries or high blood pressure. When plaque builds up in the coronary vessels, oxygen‑rich blood struggles to reach the muscle, leading to chest pain called angina. Over time, this can turn into a heart attack if a clot blocks the flow completely.
Other culprits include abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), faulty heart valves, and lifestyle factors like smoking, excess alcohol, or a sedentary routine. Even stress plays a big role—chronic cortisol spikes make arteries stiffer and raise blood pressure.
The classic warning sign is chest discomfort that spreads to the arm, jaw, or back, especially during activity. But many people miss subtler clues: sudden shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat at rest.
If you notice swelling in your ankles or feet, it might mean fluid is building up because the heart isn’t pumping efficiently. Keep an eye on any new palpitations; they can hint at atrial fibrillation, which raises stroke risk if untreated.
Don’t ignore persistent coughs that produce frothy sputum—this could be fluid backing up into the lungs, a sign of heart failure.
When your doctor prescribes meds like beta‑blockers, ACE inhibitors, or statins, follow the dosage exactly. Skipping doses can cause rebound spikes in blood pressure, while overdosing may lead to dangerously low heart rates.
If you’re buying medication online, verify the pharmacy’s license and look for reviews that mention product authenticity. Websites linked with SuperDrug’s trusted pharmacy usually display a clear registration number—use it as a quick check.
Always inform your pharmacist about other drugs or supplements you take; interactions with over‑the‑counter pain relievers, especially NSAIDs, can worsen kidney function and raise blood pressure.
Swap sugary drinks for water, add a 30‑minute walk to your daily routine, and aim for at least seven hours of sleep. Cutting back on salty snacks reduces fluid retention, easing the heart’s workload.
If you smoke, reach out for support groups or nicotine patches—quitting can lower heart attack risk by up to 50% within a year.
Stress management matters too. Try short breathing exercises, meditation apps, or just stepping outside for fresh air when tension builds.
If chest pain lasts more than a few minutes, feels crushing, or is accompanied by sweating and nausea, call emergency services right away. Similarly, sudden weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or loss of vision warrants immediate attention.
For less urgent but persistent symptoms—like ongoing fatigue or irregular beats—schedule an appointment with your GP or a cardiologist. Early detection often means simpler treatment options.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate heart problems alone. Use reputable online resources for education, but always confirm medical advice with a qualified professional before making changes.
