Changes in your FACE are telltale signs of a deadly heart problem, a top doctor reveals – and four other key symptoms no one should ignore
Experts have urged Brits to look out for signs of fatal heart failure that could appear in the bathroom mirror.
While many associate problems like shortness of breath and chest pain with the condition, doctors say facial changes can be an equally reliable indicator.
A swollen, red or graying face are all telltale signs that the organ is not pumping enough oxygen-rich blood around the body, according to Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical adviser at The Independent Pharmacy.
“Understanding the telltale signs that the heart is not functioning properly could be the difference between life and death,” he said.
Heart failure affects a million Britons in the UK and usually occurs because the organ has become too stiff or too weak.
Although it cannot be cured, treatments and lifestyle interventions can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
However, the symptoms are often confused with other conditions, such as asthma or hormonal problems, leading patients to access therapies too late, when the disease has already progressed.
Dr. Grant said the first change in appearance to look out for is swelling in the center of the face.
Facial changes such as swelling in the face may indicate edema, which is fluid retention due to heart failure
This could indicate fluid retention, medically known as edema This happens when blood is not pumped properly to the kidneys, making it harder for the organ to remove salt and water.
Fluid retention can cause people to suddenly gain weight and look swollen, the British Heart Foundation explains.
“Discoloration is another big sign,” Dr. Grant added. ‘This includes blue lips and gray skin on the face – both indicate poor blood flow and circulation that can result from low oxygen levels in the blood.’
When the heart fails, the organ is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
Another giveaway is a red tinted face.
This is because a flushed face is an indication of high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart failure.
High blood pressure causes the blood vessels under the skin to dilate, causing a red color to the face. It can also put extra strain on the heart, damaging the muscles and leading to heart failure over time.
‘This is a major risk factor for heart disease and I strongly encourage anyone experiencing any of these symptoms to have an open conversation with their GP about the next best steps,’ warns Dr Grant.
There are also plenty of other symptoms that should never be ignored.
Although shortness of breath can be caused by many conditions, including asthma or respiratory viruses such as Covid, Dr Grant warns it is a ‘huge signifier’ of heart disease.
‘If the heart cannot pump blood fast enough, the arteries can quickly become blocked, causing fluid to leak into the lungs – this can cause shortness of breath,’ he explained.
‘Additionally, a lack of oxygenated blood can affect shortness of breath as an individual fights to get more oxygen by breathing faster.’
While some warning signs (pictured) are easy to spot – such as severe chest pain – others are vaguer and harder to pinpoint
He added that shortness of breath is especially concerning if it occurs while you are doing very little.
Palpitations are another important sign that the heart is struggling to function normally.
While feelings of a rapidly beating or fluttering heart can be caused by drinking too much caffeine, certain medications and anxiety, Dr. Grant warned that it is also a common heart condition: arrhythmia.
‘Arrhythmia is also called an irregular heartbeat and can cause the heart rate to slow down or speed up.
‘If left untreated it can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, heart failure and stroke, so acting quickly is essential to prevent the risk of death,’ Dr Grant said.
This irregular heartbeat can weaken the heart muscle, making it harder to pump blood around the body, and can be a precursor to heart failure, according to the NHS.
While there are many reasons why someone might feel tired, especially during a stressful time of year, exhaustion can be a warning sign of heart failure.
‘Unexplained fatigue and weakness can indicate heart failure, which means it is crucial to monitor energy levels and seek medical attention if they drop dramatically,’ said Dr Grant.
The Wanted star Max George has sparked concern after revealing he is in hospital with heart problems
Heart failure can make you feel tired because the body works harder to pump oxygen-rich blood to important organs.
‘When our bodies can’t pump enough blood, they prioritize blood to our brain and heart, which means muscles can feel weaker, leaving people more exhausted. So keep a close eye on muscle strength and fatigue this winter,” says Dr. Grant.
Other symptoms include nausea, dizziness and sweating.
Dr.’s warning Grant comes after The Wanted star Max George was admitted to hospital earlier this month with heart problems.
Fans were shocked that the 36-year-old was affected by problems traditionally associated with older people living a much less healthy lifestyle.
“Following the Max George news, this is an important reminder of how crucial it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle while monitoring symptoms to ensure individuals catch any health risks as early as possible,” said Dr. Grant.
But the ultra-fit athletic singer is far from the only young and apparently healthy man with heart problems – which are more often than not life-threatening.
In fact, the number of younger people with fatal heart problems, including heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, is increasing.
Heart attacks in people aged 25 to 29 have almost doubled in the past decade, while the number of patients under 40 has risen by a quarter, NHS data from last year shows.
According to the British Heart Foundation, around 49,000 people under the age of 75 die every year in Britain from cardiovascular disease, including heart failure.
However, heart failure mainly affects people over the age of 75.
Overall, cardiovascular disease causes around a quarter of all deaths in Britain each year, the charity adds.
It is a long-term condition that gets worse over time, but the prognosis varies depending on the patient and their illness, the NHS says.
Obesity, drinking too much alcohol and smoking can lead to the disease.
Lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, are common treatments in addition to medications and surgery. In most cases, treatment is needed for life, the NHS adds.