World Heart Day, 29th September 2025
Listening to Your Heart, Even When You Feel Healthy
When most people think about World Heart Day, they picture campaigns reminding us to exercise more, stop smoking, and keep our blood pressure in check. These are all vital messages, but they don’t always resonate with everyone – especially if you’re already active, fit, and living what most would call a “heart-healthy” lifestyle.
But heart conditions aren’t always linked to lifestyle choices. Some can affect even the healthiest among us. One of those conditions is myocarditis.
What is Myocarditis?
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, usually caused by a viral infection, but sometimes linked to autoimmune diseases, medications, or other triggers. The inflammation can weaken the heart, interfere with its ability to pump blood, and in rare cases, lead to serious complications such as heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.
Why it Matters for Young People
Unlike many heart diseases, myocarditis is most common in young people, and because it strikes individuals who otherwise appear fit and healthy, it can be difficult to detect early.
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the risk can sneak up even faster. When your body is fighting off a virus, even a mild cold or flu, your heart is quietly vulnerable. Pushing through intense workouts or competitions during this time can actually make the inflammation worse, turning something minor into something dangerous.
Doctors have one simple but life-saving piece of advice: listen to your body and rest when you’re sick. Skipping a few workouts may feel frustrating, but giving your heart a break is a small price to pay for long-term health.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Myocarditis can range from silent (with no obvious symptoms) to severe. Some signs to be aware of include:
Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath, especially after activity or when lying down
Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Unusual fatigue
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, myocarditis can go unrecognised. If you experience persistent chest pain or difficulty breathing, especially following a recent viral infection, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Living With Heart Awareness
World Heart Day is a timely reminder that when it comes to heart health one-size-fits-all. For many, it’s about managing the usual lifestyle risks – exercising regularly, eating well, and avoiding smoking. But for others, especially people at risk of myocarditis, it’s about being aware of the less obvious symptoms.
Even the fittest, most active individuals can face hidden threats, and that’s why awareness and listening to your body are so important. A sudden fatigue, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath after an illness might seem minor, but it could be your heart signalling that something isn’t right.
Protecting your heart isn’t just about long-term habits; it’s also about paying attention to the present. It’s about trusting your instincts, slowing down when your body tells you to, and seeking help when something feels off.
A little awareness today can help prevent heart complications tomorrow.