Adults over 40 are being urged to pay attention to cardiovascular risk factors and warning symptoms, even if they feel well. Cardiovascular disease causes around 170,000 UK deaths a year, about 460 a day, the British Heart Foundation says.

Heart attacks bring about 100,000 hospital admissions a year, one every five minutes. More than eight million people live with cardiovascular disease. NHS advice is to call 999 for sudden chest pain that does not ease.

The Symptoms That Should Prompt Emergency Help

A heart attack happens when blood to the heart muscle is blocked. NHS symptoms include pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest, pain spreading to the arms, jaw, neck, back or tummy, dizziness, sweating, breathlessness and nausea.

Pain may be severe or only as mild as indigestion. Some people have sickness or jaw pain with no chest pain.

Call 999 if you have sudden chest pain or discomfort that does not go away, or chest pain accompanied by sweating, nausea, light-headedness, breathlessness or pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, stomach or back.

Sudden nausea, sweating or light-headedness can also occur during a heart attack, particularly alongside chest discomfort or breathlessness.

Coronary heart disease kills around twice as many UK women as breast cancer. On average three women die of that condition every hour.

Heart Warning Signs After 40 That Are Easy To Miss

Quieter markers still count. Less obvious symptoms can include indigestion-like discomfort, new or unexplained breathlessness, dizziness, persistent fatigue, palpitations and swelling in the ankles or legs. These symptoms can have many causes, but new or persistent changes should be discussed with a GP.

Persistent swelling of the ankles or legs can have several causes, including heart failure, and should be discussed with a GP if it is new or unexplained.

Dr Chris Critoph, consultant cardiologist at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, says midlife attacks can follow no warning. 'You cannot feel your cholesterol. You usually cannot feel high blood pressure,' he told i.

According to an analysis by the British Heart Foundation, working-age cardiovascular deaths rose 18 per cent from 18,693 in 2019 to 21,975 in 2023. After 40, regular health checks, such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and diabetes risk assessments, are important in spotting warning signs.

NHS guidance is 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. The key facts are blunt. Blood pressure and cholesterol are often silent until damage is done.

Family history, smoking, diabetes and prolonged sitting raise risk after 40. New fatigue or lost stamina without a change in routine should be discussed with a GP.

Why Midlife Checks Still Matter When You Feel Healthy

In England eligible people aged 40 to 74 without certain heart conditions should be invited to a free NHS Health Check every five years.

It records blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and lifestyle, then estimates 10-year risk of heart attack or stroke. NICE says adults over 40 should have cardiovascular risk reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Arteries can narrow for years before pain, which is why the check exists for people who feel healthy. GPs can still test blood pressure and cholesterol if family history or new symptoms appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the common symptoms of a heart attack?
    Common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, or back, dizziness, sweating, breathlessness, and nausea.
  • Why are regular health check-ups important after 40?
    Regular check-ups help monitor cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol, which can be silent until significant damage occurs.
  • What lifestyle changes can reduce cardiovascular risk?
    Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and managing conditions like diabetes can reduce cardiovascular risk.
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