Health gurus have sounded the alarm over a symptom of heart disease after Jeremy Clarkson disclosed his close shave with death, having undergone emergency heart surgery. The 64 year old telly star revealed he was just "days away" from a potential disaster due to a serious health scare.
Writing for The Times, the Grand Tour host recounted how a holiday turned into a nightmare with a series of troubling symptoms. Following the news of Alex Salmond's unexpected passing on October 12, Clarkson sought medical attention and found out he needed a heart bypass.
Rushed to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital in an ambulance, he was cleared of having a heart attack, but doctors warned he was on the brink of severe illness. Clarkson added: "It seems that of the arteries feeding my heart with nourishing blood, one was completely blocked and the second of three was heading that way."
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A stent - a tiny tube to prop open arteries—was inserted within two hours.
Before this diagnosis, Clarkson had been battling symptoms like feeling "clammy", chest tightness, and tingling in his left arm. He also talked about needing support after rising from breakfast, difficulty diving and swimming, and trouble going downstairs without clutching onto someone, reports the Mirror.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has highlighted another key warning sign of cardiovascular issues: swollen ankles.
Swollen ankles might seem like a minor issue, but the British Heart Foundation (BHF) warns not to brush them off. "However, that does not mean you should ignore them, especially if your ankles get very big, as this can be a marker of heart failure," they advise.
This could indicate your ticker isn't pumping blood properly, leading to fluid build-up in your legs. The BHF urges: "This means that your heart may not be pumping blood around your body as well as it should be, and fluid collects in your lower limbs. So, if you're getting swollen ankles, it's worth making an appointment with your GP."
They also list other red flags for heart trouble that shouldn't be ignored.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Clarkson has addressed concerns about his own health following a scare, telling The Sun: "I'm very grateful to everyone who sent supportive messages but I'm fine," he assured fans. "I just have to not do any manual labour or dishwasher emptying for the next four years. At least I think that's what the doctor said."
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