When to see a cardiologist
These are some of the most common symptoms that lead patients to Dr Ali's clinic. If you recognise any of these, it's worth getting your heart checked.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
Tightness, pressure or pain in the chest — this can range from causes that need urgent assessment to less serious triggers, but should always be checked.
Breathlessness
Getting short of breath more easily than before — on exertion, lying flat, or waking breathless at night — can be a sign of heart failure.
Palpitations
A racing, fluttering or pounding heartbeat, or a sense that your heart is skipping beats.
Blackouts & dizziness
Fainting, near-fainting or unexplained dizziness — Dr Ali can investigate this with an implantable loop recorder if needed.
Ankle & leg swelling
Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs, especially towards the end of the day, can be an early sign of heart failure.
Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired or finding everyday activity harder than it used to be.
Reduced Exercise Tolerance
Becoming more easily tired or breathless with activities you previously managed comfortably.
Irregular heartbeat
A heartbeat that feels irregular, too fast or too slow — sometimes picked up incidentally on a routine check.