With February marking National Heart Month, care experts are urging families to look out for subtle signs around the home that could point to declining heart health in people over 70, including something as simple as the marks left behind by socks. Heart disease remains one of the UK’s biggest health challenges, with more than 7 million people living with cardiovascular disease, and around 100,000 hospital admissions for heart attacks each year, which is the equivalent of one every five minutes.
Care professionals say early clues often show up in everyday routines, long before a medical emergency and are easily brushed off as “just getting older,” particularly during the colder, wetter months when people tend to stay indoors.Sabah Shah, Clinical Lead at The Good Care Group, says everyday observations in the home are critical for early awareness, as reduced movement and disrupted routines can quietly place extra strain on the heart.
“In the colder and wetter months, people naturally sit more, move less and rest earlier in the evening,” she said. “That makes it harder to spot when tiredness, breathlessness or swelling isn’t just seasonal but a signal the heart may be under strain.”
1. The ‘Sofa Warning Sign’
“If someone starts falling asleep on the sofa much earlier than usual, it can sometimes be a sign of ongoing fatigue. It’s not about the odd nap, it’s about noticing a change in routine that could mean the heart is working harder than it should.”
2. The sock mark
“Deep sock marks around the ankles can signal fluid retention, which may happen when the heart isn’t pumping blood effectively. Carers are trained to notice changes in swelling and escalate concerns appropriately.”
3. Stair avoidance
“When someone starts avoiding the stairs, stopping to catch their breath, or taking much longer than they used to, it’s often dismissed as slowing down. But breathlessness can be an important warning sign, especially in winter when people are already less active.”
“If someone hesitates before standing, uses furniture to pull themselves up, or shuffles between chairs, it can point to weakness, dizziness or breathlessness, all of which deserve attention.”
“Feeling unusually cold indoors, even with the heating on, can sometimes be linked to circulation issues. It’s something carers often notice when extra layers start appearing without a clear reason. In January and February, families often expect loved ones to be more tired, less mobile and less motivated,” Shah said. “But when those changes are new or getting worse, they shouldn’t be ignored.”
