conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is also important. Even small, sustainable changes can contribute to better long-term cardiovascular health. When Should You Seek Emergency Help? Some symptoms should never be ignored. If someone develops severe or persistent chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, fainting, or sudden symptoms suggesting a heart attack or stroke, they should seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for the symptoms to disappear. A stroke can also present suddenly with weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, vision problems, loss of balance, or a severe unexplained headache. WHO advises that people experiencing these symptoms receive medical care immediately. The Bottom Line Your body can sometimes give warning signs when something is wrong, but symptoms alone cannot diagnose heart disease. The safest approach is to pay attention to new or unexplained symptoms, know your cardiovascular risk factors, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional when something seems unusual. Sources: World Health Organization (WHO), 2025 cardiovascular disease fact sheet.
