Crossword Genius

With figures about heart trouble tries to frighten (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

threatens

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'with figures' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with fundamental existence as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'heart trouble tries to frighten' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
an anagram of 'heart' is 'threa' which is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'tens' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'about' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for threatens that I've seen before include "Intimidates with intention to harm" , "Imperils, jeopardises" , "Puts at risk" , "Utters intention to harm" , "Bullies" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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