How healthy is my heart? 7 signs you should get checked out
Dr. med. Reto Berli
September 29, 2026
4 min
Our heart works round the clock – usually without us even realising it. But what if it suddenly skips a beat, starts beating faster, or we find ourselves unusually out of breath during everyday activities? Not every change is a sign of heart disease. However, certain symptoms should be investigated more closely. Our cardiologist, Dr Reto Berli, explains which seven signs you should take seriously and when a cardiological assessment is advisable.
1. Heart fluttering and irregular heartbeat
Suddenly, it feels as though your heart has skipped a beat, beaten an extra time or briefly gone out of rhythm. Many people are familiar with this sensation, known as heart fluttering.
This may be caused by extra heartbeats, known as extrasystoles. They can occur even in people with healthy hearts and may be triggered by factors such as stress, lack of sleep, alcohol or caffeine.
“Heart flutters are not automatically a sign of heart disease,” explains Dr Reto Berli. “However, if they occur for the first time or frequently, or if other symptoms are present, it is worth investigating further.”
This is particularly true if the symptoms are accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain or a brief loss of consciousness. An ECG or long-term ECG, for example, can help determine whether a heart rhythm disorder is the cause of the symptoms.
2. Sudden palpitations – even at rest
When exercising or climbing stairs, the heart beats faster. This is a normal reaction of the body to physical exertion. The situation may be different, however, if a racing heart occurs suddenly and for no apparent reason, particularly whilst at rest.
Those affected often describe a strong pounding sensation in the chest or a noticeably rapid pulse. There are many possible causes. As well as stress, anxiety or stimulants, cardiac arrhythmias may also be the underlying cause.
If palpitations occur repeatedly, last for a long time or are accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
3. Pressure or pain in the chest
When experiencing pain or pressure in the chest, many people immediately think of the heart. In fact, chest pain can have a wide variety of causes and may, for example, originate from the muscles, the spine, the oesophagus or the stomach.
However, certain symptoms may indicate a heart condition. These include, in particular, new symptoms that occur during physical exertion or a feeling of pressure or tightness behind the breastbone.
Important to know
If you experience sudden, severe chest pain or a pronounced feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest – particularly if accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, weakness or radiating pain – you should not wait for a regular doctor’s appointment. In an acute emergency situation in Switzerland, you should call the ambulance service on 144 .
4. Shortness of breath on exertion
In the past, climbing three flights of stairs was no problem, but now you find yourself out of breath after just one flight? There can be many reasons for such a change. As well as a lack of fitness or lung conditions, cardiovascular diseases may also play a part.
The key factor is often how your performance has changed compared with what you are used to. If shortness of breath is a new symptom, if it has become significantly worse, or if it occurs even with minimal exertion, the cause should be investigated.
A cardiological examination can help to assess whether the heart is a factor in your symptoms or whether other causes may be to blame.
5. Unusual decline in performance
Heart disease does not always present with a clear-cut symptom. Sometimes a change first becomes apparent in everyday life: your usual walk becomes more tiring, you suddenly lack your previous stamina when exercising, or everyday activities lead to exhaustion more quickly.
Such an unexplained decline in fitness should be investigated by a doctor, particularly if it is a new development or is becoming increasingly severe.
Dr Reto Berli explains: “If someone’s stamina is significantly lower than before for no obvious reason, heart failure could be the cause, and it is worth investigating the cause.” However, the heart is not necessarily the cause. Other conditions or factors can also affect physical performance.
Cardiology consultation
Get any heart-related symptoms checked out
Heart palpitations, a racing heart, shortness of breath or other symptoms can have various causes. At the Cardiology Department of Zollikerberg Hospital, we will carry out a targeted assessment of your symptoms and discuss with you which tests are appropriate.
6. Dizziness or fainting
Dizziness can have numerous causes and is not automatically a sign of heart disease. However, recurrent dizziness or sudden fainting may be linked, amongst other things, to changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm.
If the heart occasionally beats significantly too slowly, too quickly or irregularly, this can temporarily impair the blood supply to the brain.
Unexplained fainting in particular should therefore be investigated by a doctor. Depending on the situation, an ECG, a Holter monitor or further investigations may, for example, provide clues as to the cause.
7. High blood pressure – when you don’t feel a thing
Not all risks to the heart manifest themselves through symptoms. A key example of this is high blood pressure. It can persist for a long time without those affected noticing anything.
In the long term, however, high blood pressure can put strain on the heart and blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is therefore advisable to know your blood pressure readings and to have them checked regularly.
Anyone who repeatedly measures high readings should have these assessed by a doctor, even if they have no symptoms.
Heart check-up: When is it advisable to have a check-up?
It’s not just symptoms that can be a reason to have your heart examined more closely. Certain risk factors also play a part. Our checklist provides some initial guidance.
Do one or more of these points apply to you?
This does not automatically mean that you have heart disease. However, it may be advisable to have your symptoms or personal risk factors assessed by a doctor. An initial assessment can often be carried out by your GP. If necessary, further cardiological investigations can then be carried out. The decision as to which investigations are appropriate is made on a case-by-case basis.
☐ You experience new or recurrent episodes of heart palpitations or a racing heart.
☐ You notice shortness of breath on exertion, which you have not experienced before.
☐ You repeatedly experience a feeling of pressure, tightness or pain in your chest during physical exertion.
☐ Your physical fitness has declined for no apparent reason.
☐ You suffer from recurrent dizziness on exertion or have experienced unexplained fainting spells.
☐ You have repeatedly been found to have high blood pressure.
☐ You have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood lipid levels, diabetes or smoking.
☐ There is a family history of cardiovascular disease in people under the age of 60.
Keeping an eye on your own heart
Heart palpitations, a racing heart, chest discomfort, shortness of breath or an unusual drop in energy levels do not automatically mean that you have heart disease. Nevertheless, it is worth being aware of any changes in your body.
If symptoms appear for the first time, recur or become more frequent, they should be assessed by a doctor. At the same time, you can take steps to look after your heart health even if you have no symptoms: regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and keeping your blood pressure and other risk factors under control all help to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Anyone who is unsure whether their symptoms might be related to the heart should seek medical advice to have them assessed. A targeted assessment can help identify the cause and – if necessary – initiate the appropriate treatment.
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