A London cardiologist has warned that early signs of heart problems can be subtle and are often mistaken for stress, ageing, or indigestion, leading many to ignore them until the condition becomes more serious.
Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, a private cardiologist in London, said recognising less obvious warning signs early can make a significant difference. He explained that heart problems do not always begin with dramatic symptoms, and the body gives subtle warning signs that people often dismiss as harmless or unrelated.
One overlooked sign is becoming unusually short of breath during normal daily activities, such as climbing stairs or walking. Dr Lo Monaco noted that people often attribute this to getting older or being unfit, but new or worsening breathlessness disproportionate to activity level should be assessed.
Persistent fatigue without a clear explanation can also indicate heart problems, as the heart may not be pumping oxygen efficiently. Dr Lo Monaco added that this symptom is frequently missed because tiredness is common in modern life.
While severe chest pain is widely recognised as a medical emergency, milder discomfort or unexplained left arm pain is often dismissed as indigestion, muscle strain, or anxiety. Dr Lo Monaco stressed that symptoms that persist, recur, or occur during exertion should always be checked.
Experts emphasise that these symptoms do not automatically mean heart disease, but patterns and persistence matter. Dr Lo Monaco advised seeking medical advice if symptoms are new, worsening, or don't feel normal, as early assessment can help identify problems before they become more serious.
