The early signs of heart conditions can be easy to overlook, and many people ignore symptoms without speaking to their GP. According to the British Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease causes around a quarter of all deaths in the UK – roughly 170,000 each year, 460 every day, or one every three minutes.

Most people are aware that chest pain is one of the classic warning signs. However, Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, a private cardiologist in London, says recognising the more subtle symptoms early can be lifesaving.

‘Heart problems do not always begin with dramatic symptoms,’ says Dr Lo Monaco. ‘In many cases, the body gives more subtle warning signs first, but people often dismiss them because they seem harmless or unrelated.’

1. Unusual Breathlessness

One commonly missed warning sign is becoming unusually breathless during everyday activities. This can happen when the heart is no longer circulating blood around the body as efficiently as it should.

‘People often put this down to getting older, being unfit or simply tired. But if someone notices they are suddenly struggling more with stairs, walking or light activity, it is something that should be assessed,’ says Dr Lo Monaco.

He explains that breathlessness which is new, worsening, or feels out of proportion to the level of activity should not be ignored.

2. Persistent Fatigue

Persistent or unexplained fatigue can also be linked to heart problems, particularly when there is no obvious reason for the tiredness.

‘When the heart is not functioning optimally, the body may not be getting the oxygen it needs efficiently,’ says Dr Lo Monaco. ‘That can leave people feeling persistently fatigued even if they are sleeping normally.’

He adds that fatigue is frequently overlooked because it has become such a common part of modern life.

3. Mild Chest Discomfort or Unexplained Left-Arm Pain

While severe chest pain is widely recognised as a medical emergency, milder discomfort or unexplained pain in the left arm is often dismissed.

Symptoms can include tightness, pressure, heaviness, or unusual sensations in the chest that come and go.

‘Not all heart-related symptoms are intense. Some people experience very subtle discomfort that they dismiss as indigestion, muscle strain or anxiety,’ says Dr Lo Monaco.

The cardiologist warns that symptoms which persist, return repeatedly, or appear during physical activity should always be assessed.

He adds that while these signs do not necessarily indicate heart disease, the pattern and consistency of symptoms can still be significant.

‘If symptoms are new, worsening, or don’t feel normal for you, it’s important to seek medical advice rather than ignore them,’ he says. ‘Early assessment can help identify problems before they become more serious.’

He adds that prevention and awareness remain key when it comes to cardiovascular health.

‘The earlier heart issues are recognised, the better the opportunities for treatment and long-term outcomes,’ he says.

Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.