Heart Health Starts Here: Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

By Dr Ani Pal, Health GP with a Specialist Interest in Cardiology and Echocardiography

Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day — a silent engine that powers every moment of your life. But when something’s not quite right, the early warning signs are often subtle. As a GP with specialist training in cardiology and echocardiography, I’ve seen firsthand how vital early diagnosis can be. Getting the right help at the right time can genuinely save lives.

Here’s what I encourage you to watch out for — and why it’s so important to speak to a GP if something feels off.

1. Unexplained Shortness of Breath

Becoming breathless while climbing stairs or walking short distances — especially when that never used to be a problem — can be a red flag. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart failure, coronary artery disease, or heart valve issues.

The Doctors advice – You may think you’re just unfit, but it’s worth getting checked. Early detection and diagnosis can stop conditions from worsening and open the door to effective treatment.

2. Chest Discomfort — Not Just Sharp Pain

Chest pain doesn’t always come on suddenly or severely. It can present as pressure, tightness, heaviness or an ache — and sometimes spreads to the arms, jaw, neck, or back.

The Doctors advice – If you feel any discomfort in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes, seek help straight away. As part of my practice, I use tools like ECGs, blood tests and echocardiography to identify issues early.

3. Persistent Fatigue or Weakness

Constant tiredness, particularly when it doesn’t improve with rest, can be an early warning sign — especially in women. When the heart isn’t pumping effectively, it can affect oxygen supply to your muscles and tissues, leaving you drained.

The Doctors advice – If daily tasks are wearing you out more than usual, don’t write it off. Your body is telling you something important.

4. Swollen Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Fluid retention in the lower limbs may indicate your heart isn’t pumping efficiently. Swelling, particularly if paired with breathlessness or rapid weight gain, should be checked as soon as possible.

The Doctors advice – Heart failure can be subtle in its early stages — but the sooner we spot it, the more we can do to help.

5. Irregular Heartbeat or Palpitations

A flutter, skipped beat or racing pulse might not just be down to stress or caffeine. Irregular rhythms — such as atrial fibrillation — can significantly increase your risk of stroke or other heart complications.

The Doctors advice – Monitoring and appropriate treatment can reduce these risks dramatically, which is why I advocate for routine checks if you’re experiencing persistent palpitations.

Why Early Access to Diagnostics Matters

Throughout my career — from my early training at St. George’s Medical School and specialist postgraduate training in cardiology and echocardiography, to my current roles in NHS and private cardiology clinics across Surrey and Hampshire — I’ve focused on improving access to diagnostics.

In my clinics, we offer:

• Blood pressure monitoring
• ECGs and rhythm checks
• Cholesterol and blood sugar testing
• Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
• Personalised lifestyle advice and prevention plans

Being proactive about your heart health can stop serious issues before they start.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Even if you’re feeling well, there are steps you can take to protect your heart:

• Stop smoking — it remains one of the biggest risks to heart health
• Eat well — focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• Stay active — aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
• Manage stress — long-term stress can quietly damage your cardiovascular system
• Know your numbers — check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose regularly

As a member of the European Society of Cardiology and the British Society of Echocardiography, I stay up to date with the latest guidelines to provide my patients with personalised, evidence-based care.

Take the First Step

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want peace of mind, don’t delay. Book a heart health check and get personalised advice based on your lifestyle and risk factors.

You can book a consultation with Dr Ani Pal here

Your heart deserves the best — and looking after it starts with a simple conversation.