Don’t ignore the silent threat of heart disease

Heart disease is often called the silent killer, and for good reason, as many of its early symptoms are easy to overlook or dismiss as minor inconveniences.

In this episode, Pretoria cardiologist Dr Andile Xana explains the most common symptom people overlook is chest pain. This warning sign should never be dismissed, especially in certain age groups.

“Chest pain is something never to ignore, particularly for men over the age of 45 and women after menopause. It’s especially concerning for individuals who smoke, have diabetes, or have high blood pressure,” Xana says.

“The heart relies on a steady flow of blood to function. When a vessel is blocked or narrowed, the heart struggles, and that’s when chest pain occurs.”

Warning signs

Xana also notes that tiredness, especially in elderly people and those with diabetes, can be a subtle yet critical sign of heart disease.

“Elderly people and people with diabetes might not feel chest pain, even though they have blockages in their heart’s blood vessels. They may just feel unusually tired.

“This fatigue could be linked to a slow heart rate, which means the heart is not pumping blood effectively.”

Xana also warns that sudden collapse, though uncommon, can be fatal. “We’ve seen athletes, often young and seemingly healthy, suddenly collapse and die on the spot. Sudden collapse is not something to be taken lightly, even if an initial examination appears normal.

“Heart disease is the biggest killer throughout the world; in every continent, it’s always on the rise. The only time it stabilises is when it reaches a plateau, but even then, it remains a significant threat.”

Look after your heart

Xana advocates for regular visits to a primary healthcare provider, emphasising the importance of early detection.

“Your GP knows your medical history. They can catch things you might not have noticed or reported. For example, you might be tired due to a lung issue or a hormone deficiency, not a heart issue, but only a healthcare professional can make that differentiation.”

To reduce the risk of heart disease, he highlights the importance of lifestyle changes, particularly starting with primordial prevention.

“Primordial prevention is the most basic and cheapest form of heart disease prevention, and it starts at home. It means practicing a healthy lifestyle from an early age, drinking water, eating small, balanced meals, and seeing a dietitian if heart disease runs in your family.”