'I'm a doctor and you could have something wrong with your heart if this happens to your face'
Max George, 36, will undergo life-saving heart surgery after being rushed to hospital with a 'massive problem' and GP Dr Donald Grant has shared the key symptoms to look out for
The recent news that Max George of The Wanted needs heart surgery at just 36 has sparked concern among fans, prompting many to consider the health of their own hearts. It's crucial to be aware of the signs that might indicate our hearts aren't working as they should, which could signal the need for urgent medical care.
Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, commented: "The news of Max George from The Wanted is a stark reminder that health concerns, such as heart issues, can strike at any age. Therefore, understanding the tell-tale signs that the heart isn't functioning properly can be the difference between life and death, allowing people to receive proper diagnosis and treatment."
Five signs of heart issues include shortness of breath, with Dr Grant explaining: "Firstly, while shortness of breath can stem from many conditions, it's a massive signifier of heart disease. When the heart is unable to pump blood fast enough, veins can quickly become backed up, causing fluid to leak into the lungs - this can cause shortness of breath.
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"Additionally, an absence of oxygen-rich blood may influence shortness of breath as an individual fights to get more oxygen by breathing quicker. Shortness of breath is especially concerning if it occurs while doing very little, if this is a concern I strongly advise seeking further medical advice from a GP."
Heart palpitations are another indicator to watch out for, reports Surrey Live.
Dr Grant warned: "Heart palpitations are another key sign that the heart is struggling to function normally. A range of outside influences can bring on these palpitations - including caffeine, certain medications and anxiety, but it's also a big sign of a common heart condition, arrhythmia."
He explained that "Arrhythmia is also known as an irregular heartbeat and can cause heartbeats to slow or rapidly speed up. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, heart failure and stroke, so acting fast is essential to avoid the risk of death. To minimise heart palpitations, remove high-caffeinated items from diets, exercise more and reduce stress as much as possible."
Speaking on the topic of exhaustion, Dr Grant added: "Understanding why you may feel increasingly fatigued can be a challenging task, especially during a stressful time of year such as the festive period. However, unexplained tiredness and weakness could signify heart failure, meaning it's crucial to monitor energy levels and seek medical attention should this dramatically decrease."
He noted that "Increased fatigue may indicate heart failure as the body is working harder to pump oxygen-rich blood to key organs. When our bodies can't pump enough blood, they prioritise blood to our brains and heart, meaning muscles can feel weaker, leaving people more drained. Therefore, keep a close eye on muscle strength and tiredness this winter."
Next, Dr Grant discussed facial changes.
Dr Grant warned: "Heart issues are generally noticeable through facial changes and this can show in various ways. First, swelling in the face could indicate oedema, where fluid is retained due to heart failure. Aside from swelling, discolouration is another huge sign - this includes blue lips and grey skin on the face - with both indicating poor blood flow and circulation which could stem from low oxygen levels in the blood.
"High blood pressure can also show in the face in the form of flushing, leaving an individual red-faced. This is a major risk factor for heart disease and I strongly advise anyone experiencing any of these symptoms to have an open conversation with their GP about the next best steps."
On the topic of chest pain, Dr Grant added: "Over winter, general chest pain can be difficult to diagnose with various respiratory infections going around. However, general pain is something to keep a close eye on as it may indicate a heart attack - meaning quick action is essential to boost chances of survival.
"Heart attack symptoms include pressure, tightness in the chest, sweating and shortness of breath. It's vital to call emergency services should these symptoms persist for more than a couple of minutes."
Reflecting on recent health news, Dr Grant emphasised: "Following the news of Max George, it's an important reminder of how crucial it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle while monitoring symptoms to ensure individuals catch any potential health risks as early as possible."
Dr Grant, who earned his medical degree in Bristol in 1985, has a wealth of clinical experience as a GP. He currently holds the position of senior clinician at The Independent Pharmacy.
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