The subtle signs of life threatening diseases that you need to get checked - from heart attacks to cancers

People are increasingly becoming more health-conscious, especially during the Covid pandemic.

But, how can you tell the difference between a common headache or stomach ache and something more sinister?

Symptoms appearing in one part of the body can often reveal a problem in a completely different part of the body. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms contact a medical professional for advice.

Below is a list of symptoms both noticeable and subtle that could indicate you have a life threatening illness.

Heart attack

Signs of a heart attack include:

· Pain, or a feeling of pressure in the chest

· Squeezing, or feeling of fullness in the centre of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes

· Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body

· Shortness of breath

· Cold sweat

· Nausea

· Lightheadedness

Doctor discussing with elderly couple during COVID-19 outbreak. Male healthcare worker is explaining senior man and woman while sitting at desk in clinic. They are in protective face masks. (gettyimages.ie)

Stroke

Symptoms of a stroke include:

· Facial drooping

· Weakness in the arms

· Difficulty with speech

· Rapidly developing dizziness or having trouble with your balance

· Sudden numbness or weakness

· Loss of vision

· Confusion or a severe headache

Gynaecological Issues

If not treated properly, these symptoms can lead to more serious conditions, including infertility or kidney damage.

Symptoms of reproductive health problems include:

· Bleeding or spotting between periods

· Itching, burning, or irritation in the genital area

· Pain or discomfort during sex

· Heavy or painful menstrual bleeding

· Severe pelvic/abdominal pain

· Unusual vaginal discharge

· A feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen

· Frequent urination or urinary urgency

Breast Cancer

Symptoms of breast problems include:

· Nipple discharge

· Unusual breast tenderness or pain

· Breast or nipple skin changes

· Lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area

Lung Cancer

Symptoms of lung problems include:

· Coughing up blood

· Aches and pains when breathing

· Lack of energy

· Shortness of breath

· Difficulty breathing

· Chronic cough

· Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia

· Wheezing

Stomach Cancer

Stomach or digestive problems symptoms include:

· Difficulty swallowing

· Feeling bloated after eating

· Feeling full after eating small amounts of food

· Heartburn

· Indigestion

· Nausea

· Stomach pain

· Unintentional weight loss

· Vomiting

Skin Cancer

Symptoms of skin problems include:

· Changes in skin moles

· Frequent flushing and redness of face and neck

· Jaundice

· Skin lesions that don't go away or heal

· New growths or moles on the skin

· Thick, red skin with silvery patches

Type 2 Diabetes

Symptoms of eating or weight problems include:

· Extreme thirst

· Dehydration

· Excessive hunger

· Losing weight without trying

· Blurry vision

· Infections

· Slow healing of wounds