A doctor has revealed the tell-tale signs of a killer heart issue that can appear right in your face.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy says that health concerns - such as heart issues - can 'strike at any age'.
"Therefore, understanding the telltale signs that the heart isn’t functioning properly can be the difference between life and death," he warns, "allowing people to receive proper diagnosis and treatment."
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Shortness of Breath
Dr Grant explains that while shortness of breath can stem from many conditions, it’s a 'massive signifier' of heart disease.
When the heart is unable to pump blood fast enough, veins can quickly become backed up, causing fluid to leak into the lungs - this can cause shortness of breath.
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"Additionally, an absence of oxygen-rich blood may influence shortness of breath as an individual fights to get more oxygen by breathing quicker," he continues.
"Shortness of breath is especially concerning if it occurs while doing very little, if this is a concern I strongly advise seeking further medical advice from a GP".
Heart palpitations
The next major warning sign is heart palpitations.
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Dr Grant says heart palpitations are another key sign that the heart is 'struggling to function normally'.
A range of outside influences can bring on these palpitations - including caffeine, certain medications and anxiety, but it’s also a big sign of a common heart condition, arrhythmia.
"Arrhythmia is also known as an irregular heartbeat and can cause heartbeats to slow or rapidly speed up. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, heart failure and stroke, so acting fast is essential to avoid the risk of death," the expert highlights.
"To minimise heart palpitations, remove high-caffeinated items from diets, exercise more and reduce stress as much as possible."
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Increased fatigue or weakness
Third on the list is increased fatigue or weakness, with Dr Grant explaining: "Understanding why you may feel increasingly fatigued can be a challenging task, especially during a stressful time of year such as the festive period.
"However, unexplained tiredness and weakness could signify heart failure, meaning it’s crucial to monitor energy levels and seek medical attention should this dramatically decrease."
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According to the doctor, increased fatigue may indicate heart failure as the body is 'working harder to pump oxygen-rich blood to key organs'.
He adds: "When our bodies can’t pump enough blood, they prioritise blood to our brains and heart, meaning muscles can feel weaker, leaving people more drained.
"Therefore, keep a close eye on muscle strength and tiredness this winter."
Facial changes
Dr Grant warns that heart issues are 'generally noticeable through facial changes' and this can show in various ways.
"First, swelling in the face could indicate oedema, where fluid is retained due to heart failure. Aside from swelling, discolouration is another huge sign - this includes blue lips and grey skin on the face - with both indicating poor blood flow and circulation which could stem from low oxygen levels in the blood," he outlines.
High blood pressure can also show in the face in the form of flushing, leaving an individual red-faced.
The doctor says: "This is a major risk factor for heart disease and I strongly advise anyone experiencing any of these symptoms to have an open conversation with their GP about the next best steps."
General chest pain
"Over winter, general chest pain can be difficult to diagnose with various respiratory infections going around," Dr Grant explains. "However, general pain is something to keep a close eye on as it may indicate a heart attack - meaning quick action is essential to boost chances of survival."
Outlining the symptoms of a heart attack, the doctor warned over feelings of pressure and tightness in the chest as well as sweating and shortness of breath.
"It’s vital to call emergency services should these symptoms persist for more than a couple of minutes," he urges, before explaining just how 'crucial' it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle while monitoring symptoms to 'ensure individuals catch any potential health risks as early as possible'.
Rhiannon Ingle