Experts have set out some key signs that you need to see a doctor as soon as possible as you might have a potentially serious condition. And they say one is a feeling of lightheadedness or fainting as it shows an important part of your body is not working correctly.

According to the British Heart Foundation the feeling can be a symptom of heart failure - a condition which up to a million people are currently living with in the UK. A further 200,000 people are diagnosed with it every year, NHS figures show, with many only spotted after an emergency admission to hospital.

Heart failure has no cure however there are treatments available to help manage any symptoms and to improve life quality. And with some life changes making a difference to your health the earlier the diagnosis the better.

• Dr Amir Khan alert for anyone with 'brain fog or tiredness' taking lansoprazole, omeprazole, or pantoprazole


• Millions of households in England urged to avoid drying clothes on washing line

The British Heart Foundation has set out some key symptoms to watch for - and when to see a GP. It explains on its website: "When your heart is not pumping blood as well as it should, it means you’re not getting enough oxygen.

"This affects how your body works, including your breathing and muscles. This causes some of the main symptoms of heart failure." It says signs include:

• fainting or feeling lightheaded


• feeling very tired (fatigued) or weak at rest which gets worse with movement


• shortness of breath when you’re active or resting


• swelling in your feet and ankles which can spread to your lower body

It adds: "You should see your GP as soon as you can if you experience any of these symptoms. If you are struggling to breathe or have chest pain, call 999 for immediate medical assistance."

Heart failure is caused by several reasons, most commonly as a result of a heart attack, cardiomyopathy - where a heart muscle is damaged - or high blood pressure, which puts a strain on the heart. It can happen suddenly or over months or years.

Other less common causes include abnormal heart rhythms, anaemia, congenital heart conditions and heart valve disease. Drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol - currently 14 units or less a week - can also lead to the condition.

According to the British Heart Foundation there are 4 stages or classes of heart failure. It says: "These stages describe how serious your heart failure is." The stages are:

• Stage 1 – you do not have symptoms during everyday activity


• Stage 2 – you feel normal when resting but physical activity causes symptoms


• Stage 3 – you feel normal when resting but a little physical activity causes symptoms


• Stage 4 – you cannot do any physical activity without symptoms and may feel uncomfortable while resting

The charity says: "There is not a cure for heart failure but available treatments can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor will discuss treatments with you depending on what stage they’ve diagnosed you with."

Treatments for heart failure include:

• A medical device such as a pacemaker or ICD – a pacemaker helps control your heart rate to reduce the demand on your heart. An ICD detects and treats dangerous, irregular heartbeats


• Heart surgery – done to improve blood flow to your heart or to repair/replace a faulty valve that is putting strain on your heart


• Medicine – to protect and improve your heart function, improve your symptoms and reduce fluid build-up

The British Heart Foundation says: "Making changes to your lifestyle is another way to improve your health." It says changes to try include:

• Keeping active


• Keeping to a healthy weight and diet


• Limiting how much alcohol you drink (less than the recommended 14 units per week)


• Stopping smoking and using other tobacco products

It adds: "Living a healthier lifestyle can be hard at first, but it’s important for your overall quality of life." It advises reading its Eat Better booklet for tips on eating healthier.

The charity adds: "There is no cure for heart failure. This can be upsetting and raise concerns about your life expectancy. If this is something you’re worried about, talk to your GP or a specialist heart failure team. They will explain what to expect during your treatment and give you the information and support you need.

"Conversations about life expectancy and death are difficult. You may need to discuss things like care, finances and Wills. Sorting these things out when you feel well enough to do so can help give you and your loved ones peace of mind."