Doctor reveals one lesser known symptom in leg that could be a sign of heart disease

A doctor has warned of a key symptom of heart disease you might overlook.

For those who need a reminder, heart disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the heart, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart muscle or valve issues, and abnormal heart rhythms.

There are more than eight million people living with a cardiovascular disease in the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

And across the pond in the US, nearly 2,500 people die from cardiovascular disease every day, so it's really important to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

As we say, not every symptom is obvious, including one particular red flag that's all to do with your legs.

Dr Bhavini Shah, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, told The Mirror that leg swelling is a lesser-known symptom of heart disease, and it occurs when fluid builds up in the tissue.

When it comes to heart disease, there are a number of signs and symptoms to be aware of (Getty Stock Image)

The swelling can worsen throughout the day and is medically known as oedema.

As per the NHS, you may experience swollen or puffy ankles, feet, or legs, shiny or stretched skin, or changes in skin colour, discomfort, stiffness, and dents when you press on the skin.

If you experience swelling in both legs with breathlessness, chest pain, or fatigue, this could be heart failure or another heart issue, and you should get medical help as soon as you can.

As explained by the BHF, the reason your ankles and feet swell when you're suffering from heart failure is because the blood in your body backs up in the veins of the legs and feet when your heart is not working properly.

This increases blood pressure in your blood vessels and forces fluid into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.

Dr Shah also told The Mirror that chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, and extreme fatigue are also important symptoms to keep an eye out for.

The BHF has outlined ten symptoms you need to take seriously, which could mean it’s time to see a doctor.

Swelling in your legs is a key red flag that something might not be right with your heart (Getty Stock Image)

Symptoms of heart disease

• Chest pain
• Stomach pain like indigestion
• Arm, jaw, or back pain
• Feeling sweaty
• Choking feeling
• Feeling sick
• Swollen ankles
• Leg pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Palpitations

As per Mayo Clinic, there are a number of ways you can reduce your risk of heart disease, the most important of which are to eat healthily and exercise regularly.

You should avoid smoking as chemicals in tobacco can damage the heart and blood vessels - the risk of heart disease actually starts to drop in as little as a day after quitting, so it's well worth binning the habit.

Try to incorporate more foods that are good for your heart into your diet, such as vegetables and fruits, beans or other legumes, lean meats and fish, low-fat or fat-free dairy foods, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado.

It's also key to eat and drink less of salt and high-sodium meals, sugar and sweetened beverages, highly refined carbohydrates, alcohol, highly processed food, such as processed meats, saturated fat, which is found in red meat, as well as full-fat dairy products, palm oil and coconut oil, and trans fat, which is found in some fried fast food, chips and baked goods.