Eight warning signs of killer disease to look out for while the weather is warmer
There are eight major signs to look out for during the heat which may signal a killer disease.
If you are living with undiagnosed heart disease, the weather on extremely hot days may aggravate symptoms that could otherwise go by unnoticed.
Dr Samantha Wild, who works as the Women’s Health Clinical Lead and GP at Bupa Health Clinics, has offered her expertise on the matter.
She told The Sun: "If you have heart disease, the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure all increase when the weather is hot.
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“The hotter the weather, the greater the risk becomes.”
According to the GP, here are the symptoms to look out for...
Light-headedness
You may start to experience the feeling that you're dizzy, or that your surroundings are spinning.
Sweating
You should look out for feeling sweatier than usual - this applies even when you’ve not been working out.
Chest pain
You may experience the feeling of a tight, squeezed or heavy sensation in your chest that can reach your neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back and down your arms. It's especially important to pay attention to the left arm.
Fatigue
Something to look out for is the experience of feeling tired and depleted of energy with no obvious root cause.
Breathlessness
If you can't, or are struggling to, breathe comfortably or steadily this is a warning sign.
Changes to your heartbeat
Pay attention to your heartbeat - more specifically, if it feels as though it's beating faster or slower than usual.
Nausea
If you get the sudden sensation that you might be sick, this is a warning sign.
Swelling in your ankles or legs
According to the GP, this may be better in the morning but get progressively worse throughout the day.
Ultimately, Dr Wild says that if you have heart disease - or are worried about your symptoms - the best thing to do is to keep your body cool and well-hydrated.
She added: "Try to stay in places that are cool.
"This means avoiding direct sunlight when the day is at its hottest (between 11am and 3pm).
"If you have to be outside during that time, aim to spend time in the shade and make sure you bring water with you to keep hydrated.
“If you’re in the house, try to keep your home as cool as possible. Use shutters, curtains or blinds to block out the sunlight during the day, use a fan and only open windows later in the day when it becomes cooler outside than it is in your home."
Dr Wild also urged: "Speak to a health professional if you experience bodily discomfort, with symptoms affecting your heart, when the weather is hot."
Kya Buller