Doctor warns to watch out for these five signs of 'silent killer' targeting younger people

A doctor has shared the symptoms that young people can look out for in an effort to spot a health issue before it becomes even more serious.

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Consultant Cardiologist, has spoken out as a report from the BHF revealed that one in five adults under the age of 40 have an undiagnosed condition that could cause problems if untreated.

That condition is hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, and it's a major precursor to heart disease.

Hypertension in young people is thought to be down to a combination of factors stemming from lifestyle changes. More sedentary jobs, poor diet, lack of sleep and increased stress levels are all thought to play a part, The Mirror reports, so in a bid to help young people stay conscious of their heart health, Dr Babu-Narayan has shared five symptoms of heart disease that you can keep an eye out for.

Unexplained fatigue

It's easy to pass tiredness off as a minor issue, especially at this time of year when it gets darker earlier, but tiredness could also be a result of something more concerning.

If you find yourself feeling constantly tired throughout the day, even if you had a good night's sleep the night before, it may be an indicator that your heart is struggling to pump blood around your body as effectively as it should be.

Shortness of breath

It's not uncommon for people to get a bit out of breath after climbing too many stairs or running for the bus, but if you notice that even simple activities are leaving you out of breath, it could be an indicator of an underlying heart issue.

According to the BHF, heart conditions such as angina, heart attacks, heart failure and some abnormal heart rhythms can all cause shortness of breath, either because your heart isn’t pumping enough oxygen-containing blood around the body, or because a struggling heart can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs.

Indigestion or heartburn

We're not talking about a one-off after shoveling down too many buffalo wings here, but rather continual discomfort. Heartburn or indigestion can be linked to gastrointestinal issues, but pain in the upper abdomen may also be a warning sign of heart trouble.

The NHS reports that chest pain can happen if your coronary arteries become partly blocked, causing a feeling similar to indigestion. If your arteries become partly or completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack.

Jaw or back pain

While these areas aren't typically associated with the heart, pain in the jaw or back could be a sign of restricted blood flow. The BHF also notes that if you're having a heart attack, pain can spread to other parts of your body including your arm, jaw, neck or back.

Irregular heartbeat

If you notice your heart racing or seemingly skipping beats even when you're not exerting yourself, it could be a sign of something more sinister and a reason to seek medical attention.

The BHF notes that if you notice your heart going very fast and jumping around erratically, you should see your GP. If you also experience blackouts, you should call for an ambulance.

Why you shouldn't ignore these symptoms

All of the symptoms listed could pave way for more serious illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes, or chronic heart failure.

Dr Babu-Narayan warned that 'many young adults believe they're invincible', adding: "But without intervention, these silent issues can snowball into life-threatening emergencies."

To help take care of your heart, it's recommended that you have regular routine screenings at the doctor; incorporate whole grains, lean proteins and vegetables into your diet; aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week; try to keep stress levels under control, and aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.