The Silent Signs of Heart Trouble You Shouldn't Ignore
May 6, 2025
Published on
19/5/2025
The LivingCare Group
The LivingCare Group
It's a moment that stops you in your tracks: noticing blood when you go to the toilet. Your mind immediately jumps to worst-case scenarios: "Is this serious? Could it be cancer?" That knot of anxiety in your stomach is entirely natural.
You're not alone in this experience. Rectal bleeding affects millions of people each year, and whilst it understandably causes alarm, it's often far less severe than feared. The key lies in understanding what different types of blood mean, recognising when to act quickly, and knowing where to get expert care without delay.
At LivingCare, our gastroenterology specialists see patients every day who are going through this alarm. With clinics in Leeds and Sheffield, we provide rapid access to consultant-led care, modern diagnostic procedures, and most importantly, peace of mind when you need it most.
Not all blood in the stool appears the same, and these differences provide crucial clues about what's happening in your digestive system.
Fresh, bright red blood typically signals bleeding from the lower digestive tract. The most common causes include:
Haemorrhoids (piles) – swollen blood vessels around the anus that affect up to 75% of people at some point in their lives. The blood is usually on the surface of your poo, or showing up on the toilet paper when you wipe.
Anal fissures – these are small tears in the delicate skin around the anus, often caused by hard stools or straining. You may experience sharp pain alongside the bleeding.
Inflammatory bowel conditions – these can cause ongoing inflammation and bleeding in the colon. This includes things like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Black, sticky, tar-like stools (called melaena) usually indicate bleeding higher up in your digestive system. The blood appears dark because it's been digested during its journey through your body. Common causes include:
When blood appears mixed in with your stool, rather than just on the surface, it may suggest:
Understanding the most common causes will stop you worrying – and help you take appropriate action.
Haemorrhoids cause more rectal bleeding than any other condition. These swollen blood vessels develop due to increased pressure from straining, pregnancy, chronic constipation, or sitting for long periods. Whilst uncomfortable, they're rarely serious and often improve with simple treatments.
These tiny cracks in the anal skin often result from passing hard stools. The pain is typically sharp and occurs during bowel movements, with bright red blood visible on the tissue or the stool's surface.
Some people have small pouches (diverticula) forming in the colon wall as they age. This affects about half of people over 50. When these become inflamed or infected, they can bleed and cause abdominal pain alongside changes in bowel habits.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause long-term inflammation in the digestive tract. These conditions often involve blood in stools alongside diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, and fatigue.
Most colorectal polyps are benign growths that may bleed occasionally. However, persistent bleeding can sometimes indicate bowel cancer, particularly when accompanied by weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or ongoing abdominal discomfort.
Some situations require urgent medical attention:
When you discover blood in your stool, waiting weeks for answers isn't acceptable. At LivingCare, we've designed our gastroenterology services around what patients actually need.
Our consultant gastroenterologists can typically see you within days, not weeks. We understand that digestive symptoms cause significant anxiety, and quick access to expert care makes all the difference.
We offer the full range of investigations you might need:
Colonoscopy – the gold standard for examining the entire colon to identify bleeding sources
Flexible sigmoidoscopy – for assessing the lower colon and rectum
Gastroscopy – to examine the upper digestive tract thoroughly
qFIT testing – a simple home test detecting microscopic blood traces
Our gastroenterologists specialise in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions. They combine technical expertise with genuine compassion, ensuring you feel supported throughout your care journey.
Our Leeds and Sheffield clinics feature state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment in environments designed for your comfort and privacy.
During your appointment, our gastroenterologist will:
Most patients find that professional assessment quickly alleviates anxiety and ensures early detection of any issues requiring treatment.
Whilst not all causes of rectal bleeding are preventable, you can reduce your risk:
Blood in your stool should never be ignored, even when you suspect a simple cause like haemorrhoids. Early investigation provides peace of mind and ensures serious conditions are caught when most treatable.
At LivingCare, we make accessing specialist care straightforward. Our consultant gastroenterologists offer rapid appointments, comprehensive testing, and expert treatment across Yorkshire.
Stop worrying about what might be wrong. Contact LivingCare today to book your consultation and take control of your digestive health.
Call 0113 539 4646 to book your appointment, or visit our gastroenterology pages for more information about our services.
