Three hidden warning signs you may not know are linked to killer condition

Chest pain is a common indicator of heart disease but there are a handful of little-known symptoms which everyone must be aware of, including swelling in your feet

More than seven million people in the UK are living with a heart or circulatory disease. Research shows these conditions kill around one in four people, so it's extremely important we all know the symptoms and what to look out for.

Chest pain, shortness of breath and feeling faint are all common indicators for heart problems. Warning signs can appear elsewhere, however, as not everyone has the same symptoms.

Harvard Health Publishing shared three overlooked symptoms that may signal heart trouble. "Any symptom that seems to be provoked by exertion and relieved by rest could be heart-related," Dr. Randall Zusman, a cardiologist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, said.

"Particularly in people with underlying risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and a strong family history of heart disease, other symptoms besides chest pain may be the clue to a heart problem."

If any of the three below symptoms appear for no obvious reason, it's suggested you should pay close attention and report them to your doctor.

Swollen feet or ankles

Swelling in your legs, ankles or feet could be a warning sign. The swelling to look out for is "the kind that leaves an indentation if you press your finger into it", according to Harvard. It may also be caused by kidney or liver disease or weak leg veins.

Aches or pains

While pains are often felt in your chest, that's not always the case. Pain felt in the shoulders, arms, back, jaw, or abdomen could be a key sign of heart disease.

If pain in these locations occurs with exercise and disappears with rest, it's best to go and check it out with a doctor.

Fatigue

Many of us may feel fatigued if we have exercised or suffering with an illness. But a constant, new fatigue also can sometimes signal heart failure. "It's less common as an indication of coronary artery disease, but it can be," Dr. Zusman said.

When to report symptoms

It's better to be on the safe side so people are encouraged to book an appointment with their local GP if they experience any of the aforementioned symptoms. Harvard claim you should be especially mindful if you have:

• symptoms that come on with activity and are relieved with rest
• several symptoms at a time, such as fatigue and swollen feet
• known heart disease or factors that raise your risk for heart disease (like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoking).