Globally, cardiovascular disease is a huge problem, accounting for around a quarter of all deaths. It refers to a number of conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system.
These include things such as heart failure, coronary heart disease and strokes. This is also a huge issue in the UK, leading to around 140,000 fatalities annually.
And the latest NHS figures have revealed yet more concerning truths about the state of heart health in England, as data showed waiting lists for patients needing care for heart problems are continuing to rise.
As reported by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), cardiac waiting lists rose to 408,061 at the end of January 2024 in England – an increase of 2,101 on the previous month.
This means that the heart care waiting list is 75 percent larger than it was in February 2020 and an increase of 174,980 people.
Speaking about these figures, Dr Charmaine Griffiths – chief executive of the BHF, said: “The heart care waiting list continues to rise despite overall waiting lists falling, an unacceptable trend that shows how so many heart patients are enduring long waits for treatment.
“But heart care can’t wait – significant delays to cardiac care can lead to avoidable heart attacks, disabling heart failure and even premature death.
“Tragically, as we reported in January, the extreme and ongoing pressures on NHS heart care is likely one of several factors contributing to nearly 39,000 premature deaths involving cardiovascular disease in England in 2022.
“We need to see bold action to prioritise NHS heart care and ease the agonising waits patients are facing.”
Symptoms to look for
As with any medical condition, the sooner you spot the symptoms of heart disease the sooner you can seek the treatment you need.
Some warning signs of cardiovascular problems are more well known than others. Chest pain, heart palpitations and shortness of breath, for example, can all be symptoms.
However, others are less so and can appear in some unexpected places.
According to the BHF there are two such signs that can appear in the stomach.
These are feeling sick, and indigestion or stomach pain.
Professor David Newby, from the BHF, said: “If you experience intense chest pain even when you are just sitting around doing nothing and you are also feeling sick, that is the time to call for an ambulance.”
An indigestion-type pain or a burning sensation in your chest or stomach can be a sign of a heart attack or related heart problem.
He added: “Because the heart, the gullet [the passage between your mouth and stomach] and the stomach are all lying right next to each other, the challenge, for both members of the public and doctors, is that a burning or indigestion-type pain and heart pain can be difficult to disentangle.
“You could call NHS 111 for advice – they have certain algorithms they apply, but they aren’t perfect as there are no hard and fast rules that apply to everyone.”
Other symptoms of heart issues are:
- Chest pain
- Feeling sweaty
- Leg or arm pain
- Jaw or back pain
- A choking sensation
- Swollen ankles
- Extreme fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat.
If you experience any unexplained symptoms you should speak to your GP.