1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain (angina) is one of the most common warning signs.

It may feel like:

• Pressure or tightness
• Burning sensation
• Squeezing or heaviness
• Pain that spreads to the arm, neck, jaw, or back

If chest pain lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes, seek medical attention immediately.

2. Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing during normal activities, or even at rest, can signal heart problems.

You may notice:

• Breathlessness while lying down
• Waking up gasping for air at night
• Fatigue during mild exertion

This could indicate heart failure or blocked arteries.

3. Unusual Fatigue

Feeling extremely tired without a clear reason can be an early sign of heart disease, especially in women.

If simple tasks suddenly leave you exhausted, your heart may not be pumping blood efficiently.

4. Pain in the Arm, Neck, Jaw, or Back

Heart-related pain doesn’t always stay in the chest. It may radiate to:

• Left arm (most common)
• Both arms
• Neck or jaw
• Upper back

This is particularly common during a heart attack.

5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Sudden dizziness, fainting, or feeling like you might pass out could signal:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Blocked blood flow
• Sudden drop in blood pressure

This requires urgent evaluation.

6. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Swelling (edema) may occur when the heart cannot pump blood effectively, causing fluid to build up in the body.

If swelling is persistent or worsening, consult a doctor.

7. Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat

Occasional skipped beats may be harmless, but frequent:

• Racing heart
• Fluttering sensation
• Pounding heartbeat

could indicate arrhythmia, which needs medical assessment.

8. Nausea, Sweating, or Indigestion-Like Symptoms

Heart attacks do not always present dramatically. Some people experience:

• Cold sweats
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe indigestion
• Sudden weakness

These symptoms are often mistaken for stomach problems, especially in women.

Don’t Wait for Severe Symptoms

Heart disease can progress silently. Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Family history of heart disease

Regular screening and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call for emergency help immediately if you experience:

• Severe chest pain
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Chest discomfort lasting more than 5 minutes

Early treatment greatly improves survival.

Protect Your Heart at TQSH

At Tranquil and Quest Specialist Hospital (TQSH), Lekki, we offer:

• Blood pressure monitoring
• Cholesterol screening
• ECG and cardiac evaluation
• Preventive heart health consultations

Your heart health is too important to ignore. If you notice any of these warning signs, even mild ones, schedule a medical check-up promptly.

Early action saves lives.