Millions of people are living with heart disease in the UK - but hundreds of thousands do not know they have it. British Heart Foundation figures show there are 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart or circulatory diseases.

However it is estimated that 400,000 are living with undiagnosed heart failure - plus around five million with undiagnosed high blood pressure. The issue has been called a "ticking timebomb" with the British Heart Foundation warning failing to find those with the condition is creating a "powder keg" of future ill health that threatens to devastate families as well as put unsustainable pressure on the UK health systems.

Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is often caused by fatty deposits in the arteries, and this can cause a higher risk of blood clots.

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It can also cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. Some blood tests are able to measure different types of fats within the body.

Speaking as part of National Heart Month, which runs through February, Dr Bhavini Shah, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, has now explained the key symptoms of heart disease to look out for, when to seek urgent help - including one lesser known signal that appears in the leg. The expert also shared practical advice on reducing heart disease risk.

There are some key symptoms that most people are aware of including chest pain - but there are some others which fewer realise can be a sign of something potentially serious.

Chest pain

Dr Shah says chest pain is a common symptom of heart disease. If it feels like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness, it could be a symptom of a heart attack, and it’s essential to dial 999.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is also well known as a symptom. Dr Shah explains that if the heart isn’t pumping enough blood throughout the body, fluid may build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and leading to shortness of breath.

Irregular heartbeat

Irregular heart rhythms can also be an indication of heart disease. While this may not be directly linked to a serious condition, it’s important to get this checked to understand any underlying issues.

Extreme fatigue

If you are extremely tired this can also be a symptom, making day-to-day activities or mild exercise exhausting.

Swelling in the legs

Dr Shah also says that leg swelling, medically known as oedema, is a less well-known symptom of heart disease and occurs when fluid builds up in the tissue. This can worsen throughout the day.

If you have any of these symptoms and are concerned you may be at risk of a heart attack, it's essential to dial 999. Additionally, seek medical attention from a GP, the doctor advised.

Eating healthily

Reducing fat intake is an effective way to not only lower your risk of coronary heart disease but also help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to the NHS, a high-fibre, low-fat diet is recommended and should include at least five servings of fruit and vegetables, as well as whole grains (oats, rye and brown rice).

The NHS also advises limiting salt intake to no more than 6g per day. You should avoid saturated fats, as they can increase cholesterol levels.

Getting active

Dr Shah recommends staying active to prevent heart disease. According to the British Heart Foundation, keeping active can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 35%.

Staying active also helps regulate your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol. It’s recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.

Whether it’s walking, cycling, swimming or attending a fitness class, finding an activity you enjoy could help you stay more consistent and maintain that healthy lifestyle.

Quitting smoking

According to the British Heart Foundation stopping smoking is "the single most important step you can take to protect the health of your heart". It said: "The chemicals in cigarettes make the walls of your arteries sticky. This causes fatty material to stick to the walls. The fatty material can begin to clog your arteries and reduce the space for blood to flow properly.

• If the arteries that carry blood to your heart get clogged, it can lead to a heart attack.


• If the arteries that carry blood to your brain get clogged, it can lead to a stroke.

Smoking can also affect your heart and blood vessels by:

• increasing your risk of blood clots


• causing an instant rise to your heart rate


• causing an instant rise to your blood pressure


• reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the rest of your body.

Limiting alcohol intake

Another way to reduce your risk of heart disease is to drink alcohol in moderation. NHS guidelines say that men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week and that these units should be spread over at least three days and not consumed all at once.

There is a link between drinking too much alcohol and high blood pressure. Regularly going over the recommended 14 units a week over 10 years can increase your risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

Getting quality sleep

There may be an increased risk of heart disease if you have a lack of sleep. A healthy adult needs between seven and nine hours a night.

Teenagers, children and babies will need more, anywhere from eight to 16 hours. Making small but manageable changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on your heart health.