Scary Symptoms

A heart that goes bump in the night or eyelids that move by themselves? It might be Halloween but, almost always, there's no need to be afraid

- Susannah Hickling

Chest pain For most people who are younger with no medical history to suggest cardiac problems or a higher risk-such as high blood pressure or diabetes-pain in the chest doesn't usually indicate a heart attack. It could be caused by indigestion, muscle strain after exercise or anxiety. Or angina triggered by narrowing arteries could be provoking the pain. This needs medical attention but is rarely an emergency.

But if your chest pain lasts more than 15 minutes, spreads to other parts of your body such as your jaw, back or arms, comes with tightness of the chest or sweating, breathlessness or sickness, you need urgent medical help.

Palpitations

Many people fret about a fluttering, fast-beating or pounding heart. Often this is caused by dehydration, stress or too much caffeine. Drink plenty of fluids, manage anxiety and cut back on coffee.