According to new findings, people are more inclined to postpone seeking medical help even if they are having serious symptoms.
Swollen hands and ankles in Brits should consult a doctor since they could indicate a serious underlying health problem.
Surprisingly, a new study found that most people would not see a doctor if they saw abnormal swelling in their hands, legs, ankles, or feet.
Most people would not visit their doctor if they suffered heart palpitations, unusual exhaustion, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
This is especially concerning because all of these signs are indicative of a little-known disease that ᴋɪʟʟs one young person in the UK every week.
What is myocarditis?
Your heart is the crown jewel of your circulatory system, consisting of several layers of delicate tissue.
Unfortunately, the middle layer of the heart wall, known as the myocardium, can become inflamed, increasing your risk of developing blood clots or having a stroke.
According to The Myocarditis Foundation, inflammation accounts for 5-22 percent of all deaths in athletes under the age of 35 and can be caused by viral infections.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the illness can also be caused by adverse reactions to numerous medications.
Unfortunately, myocarditis can easily go unrecognized because those in the early stages are unlikely to show symptoms.
However, those who have encountered the inflammation have reported chest pain, weariness, and abnormal heartbeats.
Another typical symptom is edema, which occurs primarily in the sufferer’s hands, legs, ankles and feet.
It is also stated that early discovery and treatment can reduce the chance of long-term problems or ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ from the disorder.
Regarding the newly released information, Andy Jansons, Chair of the charity Myocarditis UK, stated: “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.
“We have come a long way since we began in 2013 where there was hardly any information available on myocarditis, but the introduction of a National Awareness Day is an incredible step forward in raising recognition.”
Andy, whose 18-year-old son Alexander Jansons ᴅɪᴇᴅ from the disease, added: “Alexander would have appreciated that the awareness day date is also the same date his birthday would have been.”
The first annual National Myocarditis Awareness Day was held on August 17.
Experts believe that with more awareness of myocarditis and its numerous symptoms, the general population will be more informed and able to recognize warning signs before it is too late.
For more information on safeguarding your heart health or simply supporting those close to you impacted by the ailment, visit Myocarditis Charity UK for more facts.