WHEN the weather is warm, many of us will notice our hands, ankles and feet start to swell a little more than normal. Most of the time, this is nothing to worry about, but it can be a sign of myocarditis - a condition that kills one young person suddenly every week in the UK. 1 Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle Credit: carolina yepes jiménez Worryingly though, most Brits wouldn't see a doctor if they noticed such symptoms, according to new research.
Andy Jansons, chair of the charity Myocarditis UK whose son Alexander died from the condition aged 18, said: "It’s so important to be aware of the symptoms and know that it’s OK to seek medical help if you’re experiencing them." Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle which reduces the heart's ability to pump effectively over time. It can cause rapid or abnormal heart rhythms, but this isn't always noticeable.
READ MORE ON HEALTH HEALTH CHECK The simple 3-minute test that can help predict how long you're going to live PICK ME UP 7 ways coffee can help save your life - from cancer risk to silent killers Symptoms generally can be subtle and sometimes won't be present at all. They include chest pain , difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, a fever and unusual tiredness . Swelling in the hands, legs, ankles and feet are also possible, as well as dizziness, lightheadedness, body aches, and a sore throat .
A report out this week found 82 per cent of people wouldn't see a GP or nurse if they experienced a.