A Cardiologist Shares Unexpected Symptoms of Heart Disease & When to Get a Heart Checkup
15 April 2025
When heart disease is mentioned, chest pain is often the only symptom that comes to mind.
However, heart problems can come up in the form of other symptoms that may not be as obvious. It's important to be aware of these early warning signs before the condition becomes life threatening.
Our Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Richard Chan, shares the early and common warning signs of heart disease that you should never ignore, as well as why you need a regular heart health check up.
Common and Early Symptoms of Heart Problems that Are Often Overlooked
- Sinking Feeling in the Chest
Often, people assume that a heart attack would be a sharp kind of pain in the chest. However, the pain is more commonly described as a “deep and crushing pain”. - Jaw or Neck Pain
While this symptom might seem unrelated to the heart, it is in fact a signal of a potential heart issue. This pain occurs because the nerves in the heart are linked to those in the jaw and neck. - Swelling in the Feet and Legs
In the case of heart failure, the heart does not pump hard enough. Hence, the fluids build up at the bottom part of your body - leading to swelling in the legs and feet. - Shortness of Breath
This can occur when the heart doesn’t pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body, causing faster breathing to get more oxygen. Fluid buildup in the lungs due to poor heart function can also make breathing difficult. - Dizziness or Fainting
A heart-related condition can reduce blood flow to the brain or cause an abnormally fast or slow heartbeat, which may trigger this condition. - Nausea and Gastric Pain
The body’s response to the lack of oxygen in the blood can also come in the form of these symptoms. These symptoms are often reported more by women than men.
Understanding the Importance of Heart Health Checkups
It can also be possible to have a heart problem but not experience any noticeable symptoms. That is why getting a heart health screening with a Consultant Cardiologist is crucial. A heart specialist can identify potential issues through tests and offer advice on the appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes that can save your life.
When Should You Get a Health Health Check?
An annual heart health screening and check-up is recommended for all individuals above age 40, as well as those who have the risk factors below:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol levels
- Obesity
- Family history of heart disease
- Smoking
“Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking increase inflammation of the blood vessel walls and cause plaque to form. This narrows the blood vessel lumen and restricts blood supply. The rupture of plaques can also lead to blood clots that obstruct blood flow, causing a sudden heart attack,” explains Dr Richard.
Are Men or Women More at Risk of Heart Disease?
Men generally have a higher risk of heart disease. However, after menopause, a woman’s risk of heart disease increases and catches up to that of men.
“Females are protected from heart disease by the female hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. Once they reach menopause, levels of these hormones drop, which reduces their protective effect,” shares Dr Richard.
He adds also that women who have undergone surgical menopause, due to the removal of the ovaries before natural menopause, are also at a higher risk of heart disease.
What Should You Expect During a Heart Health Checkup
Some of the tests during a heart health check up include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Sensors are placed on the chest and arms and legs to check the heart's electrical signals.
- Stress Test: You walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike to see how your heart works during exercise.
- Echocardiogram: A scan that uses sound waves to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels.
- CT Coronary Angiography: A safe and detailed scan used to check the heart and blood vessels.
If heart concerns are found, the doctor will suggest the right treatment and lifestyle changes if needed.
Don’t wait until problems become serious. If you have any of these symptoms or risk factors, it’s important to get checked. A heart health check up with a heart specialist can help detect issues early and give you the chance to make changes that protect your health.
Schedule a heart health check with our Consultant Cardiologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City if you have any symptoms or concerns about your heart today.
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