Medical experts are issuing a vital health warning to Brits about a little-known symptom of heart disease, a leading cause of death in the UK. While chest pain is a well-known red flag, a gripping or cramping sensation in the legs could be a critical sign of underlying heart problems.
The Hidden Sign in Your Legs
According to Professor David Newby, the BHF John Wheatley Professor of Cardiology at the University of Edinburgh, this specific type of leg pain should not be ignored. He describes it as a "gripping" or "cramping" feeling, often experienced while walking. This symptom can indicate Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a condition where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the limbs.
PAD is particularly common among smokers and people with diabetes. If left untreated, the condition can become severe, potentially leading to gangrene and even amputation.
A Sharply Increased Risk of Heart Attack
Heart expert Patrick Coughlin has emphasised the significant danger PAD poses. He warns that one in five people over 60 in the UK has some degree of PAD, with risk increasing with age.
The connection to heart attacks is particularly alarming. Professor Coughlin stated, "If you have intermittent claudication (limping or pain when you walk), your risk of heart attack is three to five times higher than normal." This means that the same process clogging the arteries in your legs is likely also affecting the arteries supplying your heart.
Prevention and Next Steps
The risk factors for PAD mirror those for heart disease and stroke. These include smoking, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Professor Coughlin highlighted that rising diabetes cases are contributing to an increase in PAD diagnoses.
To reduce risk, experts advise a proactive approach: stopping smoking, testing for and treating high blood pressure and diabetes, and, under medical guidance, considering medications like aspirin and statins.
The overriding message from cardiologists is clear: if you experience an unexplained gripping or cramping pain in your legs, especially when walking, do not dismiss it. Seek advice from your GP promptly, as it could be a crucial warning sign for a much more serious cardiovascular event.
