By Geraldine Ohonba
Health Editor
Your heart often gives signals when something isn’t right — but many people ignore or misread them. Recognising these warning signs early can be life-saving. Here are 30 symptoms that could indicate heart trouble, especially if they are persistent, sudden, or worsening.
Chest & Upper Body Symptoms
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Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or burning
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Discomfort spreading to the left arm, right arm, shoulders, or back
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Jaw pain or stiffness without dental cause
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Neck pain or heaviness
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Upper back pain that feels deep or crushing
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Pain that worsens with exertion and improves with rest
Breathing & Circulation Issues
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Shortness of breath during activity
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Breathlessness while lying flat
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Waking up at night gasping for air
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Rapid or irregular heartbeat
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Palpitations or fluttering sensations
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Poor exercise tolerance
Fatigue & Weakness
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Unusual or extreme tiredness
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Weakness during routine activities
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Sudden loss of stamina
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Feeling exhausted despite adequate rest
Swelling & Fluid Retention
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Swelling in the feet or ankles
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Swelling in the legs or calves
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Abdominal bloating or swelling
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Sudden unexplained weight gain
Neurological & General Symptoms
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Fainting or near-fainting episodes
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Cold sweats without exertion
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Nausea or vomiting unrelated to food
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Pale, greyish, or bluish skin tone
Digestive & Atypical Symptoms
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Indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t respond to treatment
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Feeling of fullness or pressure in the upper abdomen
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Loss of appetite
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Persistent cough, especially with pink or frothy sputum
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Anxiety or a sudden sense of impending doom
Important Note
Not everyone experiences classic chest pain — especially women, older adults, and people with diabetes. Symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for stress or indigestion.
Seek urgent medical help immediately if you experience chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms that come on suddenly or worsen quickly.
