Britons are being alerted to a lesser-known symptom that could indicate underlying heart disease, a condition responsible for a significant number of deaths across the UK. According to leading medical experts, a specific type of leg pain could be a crucial warning sign.
The Hidden Symptom in Your Legs
While chest pain is widely recognised, a "gripping" or "cramping" sensation in the legs is a symptom many people overlook. This discomfort, explained by David Newby, the BHF John Wheatley Professor of Cardiology at the BHF Centre of Research Excellence at the University of Edinburgh, can be an indication of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
PAD occurs when fatty deposits, known as plaques, build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the limbs. This often causes pain when walking, which can be severe. In advanced cases, it can lead to critical issues like gangrene and even amputation.
Who is Most at Risk?
Heart specialist Patrick Coughlin has highlighted that the risk of developing PAD increases significantly with age. "About one in five people over 60 in the UK have some degree of PAD," he told the British Heart Foundation.
The condition does not discriminate by gender and can sometimes be hereditary. However, certain lifestyle factors dramatically elevate the risk. Smoking, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure are key contributors. Professor Coughlin specifically noted a rise in PAD cases linked to increasing diabetes rates in the population.
A Dramatically Increased Heart Attack Risk
The connection between PAD and more severe cardiovascular events is particularly alarming. Professor Coughlin issued a stark warning: "If someone has PAD then they are a lot more likely to have a heart attack."
For those experiencing intermittent claudication—the medical term for limping or pain while walking—the danger is even greater. Your risk of a heart attack is three to five times higher than normal, making it a critical indicator of systemic cardiovascular issues.
To mitigate this risk, experts advise a proactive approach. Key preventative measures include:
- Stopping smoking immediately.
- Getting tested for, and treating, high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Considering medication such as blood thinners (like aspirin) and statins under medical guidance.
Anyone experiencing a gripping or cramping pain in their legs is strongly urged to speak with their GP. Early diagnosis and management of PAD are vital steps not only for improving mobility but for safeguarding overall heart health and reducing the threat of a life-threatening heart attack.
