7 early warning signs of heart disease

• Early symptoms can be subtle – Chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, swelling in the legs, dizziness, irregular heartbeat and pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back may be early warning signs of heart disease and should not be ignored
• Some people are at higher risk – High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and a family history of heart disease all increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease
• Healthy habits can lower your risk – Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress and attending routine health check-ups can help protect your heart. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience sudden or severe chest pain, especially if it's accompanied by shortness of breath, fainting or pain spreading to the arm or jaw

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but many cases can be managed more effectively when detected early. One challenge is that the warning signs are not always dramatic. Symptoms may develop gradually and can easily be mistaken for stress, ageing or minor health problems.

Knowing what to look out for can help you seek medical advice promptly. While these symptoms do not always mean you have heart disease, they should not be ignored—especially if they are persistent, worsening or occur alongside other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking or a family history of heart disease.

Here are seven early warning signs of heart disease everyone should know.

1. Chest pain or discomfort

Chest pain is one of the most recognised symptoms of heart disease.

It may feel like pressure, tightness, heaviness, squeezing or burning in the centre or left side of the chest. Some people experience the discomfort only during physical activity or emotional stress, while others may notice it at rest.

Any new, severe or persistent chest pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional immediately. If chest pain is sudden, severe or accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, fainting or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, seek emergency medical care without delay.

2. Shortness of breath

Feeling unusually breathless during everyday activities may be a sign that your heart is not pumping blood efficiently.

You may notice shortness of breath while climbing stairs, walking short distances or even lying flat in bed. Although breathlessness can have many causes, persistent or unexplained symptoms warrant medical evaluation.

3. Pain that spreads beyond the chest

Heart-related pain does not always stay in the chest.

Some people experience discomfort that radiates to the shoulders, arms (particularly the left arm), neck, jaw, back or upper abdomen. This pain may come and go or occur alongside chest discomfort.

Because these symptoms can be subtle, especially in women and older adults, they should never be dismissed.

4. Unusual fatigue

Everyone feels tired occasionally, but persistent, unexplained fatigue can sometimes be an early sign of heart disease.

If routine activities suddenly leave you feeling exhausted or you notice a significant drop in your energy levels without an obvious reason, it's worth discussing with your healthcare provider—particularly if it's accompanied by other symptoms.

5. Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet

When the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, fluid can build up in the body.

This may cause swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or, in some cases, the abdomen. Shoes or socks may feel tighter than usual, or you may notice puffiness that doesn't improve after rest.

Although swelling has many possible causes, persistent swelling should be medically assessed.

6. Dizziness or fainting

Frequent dizziness, light-headedness or fainting can occur if the heart is unable to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain.

These symptoms may also be related to abnormal heart rhythms or other cardiovascular conditions. If they happen repeatedly or occur with chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath, seek prompt medical attention.

7. Irregular or rapid heartbeat

It's normal for your heart rate to increase during exercise or stress. However, frequent episodes of a racing, fluttering or irregular heartbeat—often described as heart palpitations—may indicate an underlying heart problem.

Occasional palpitations are common and are often harmless, but recurring episodes, particularly if accompanied by dizziness, chest pain or breathlessness, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Who is at higher risk?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing heart disease, including:

• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking or tobacco use.
• Obesity.
• Physical inactivity.
• An unhealthy diet.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Chronic stress.
• A family history of heart disease.
• Increasing age.

While you can't change some risk factors, many can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices.

How to protect your heart

Looking after your heart doesn't have to involve drastic changes. Simple habits can make a significant difference over time:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get enough sleep each night.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, hobbies or physical activity.
• Attend regular health check-ups and monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar if advised.

10 healthy ways to reduce your belly fat

Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 10 healthy ways to reduce belly fat, as too much can be chronic to a person's health. Therefore, it is essential to know healthy ways to reduce belly fat in ways that will not deteriorate the current state of your health.

The healthy ways to reduce belly fat include eating soluble fibre, eating proteins, reducing the intake of sugary foods, reducing stress, and getting good quality sleep.