Cardiologist warns of 6 silent signs of heart disease most people ignore

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(via google)

 There are signs of heart disease that people often miss. These include fatigue and shortness of breath, says a cardiologist.


Heart disease doesn’t always hit suddenly with a dramatic heart attack like many people believe. Instead, it usually develops slowly and quietly, presenting as common discomforts that people often overlook. This slow progression can be dangerous because early warning signs can be missed until it's too late. Doctors say that the body usually shows signs of heart issues up to six months before a major heart event occurs. Recognising these early signs can save lives.

What are the silent symptoms of heart disease?

Here are six silent symptoms of heart disease that are often ignored:

Unexplained fatigue

  • What to note: It's normal to feel tired after a long day, but when fatigue arises unexpectedly after everyday tasks such as walking a short distance or climbing stairs, it should raise a red flag.

  • Why it matters: "When the heart can't pump enough blood, the body doesn't get enough oxygen, which can cause long-lasting tiredness. This exhaustion is common, especially in women, who often think it is just due to stress or being overworked," Dr Niranjan Hiremath, Cardiovascular and Aortic Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, tells Health Shots.

2. Shortness of breath

  • What to note: Difficulty breathing that is sudden or unexpected, such as breathlessness while lying down or waking up gasping for air, should not be taken lightly.

  • Why it's important: "While many times, the effects of age, or lack of activity, these symptoms may indicate that the heart isn't functioning as it should. When the heart's pumping ability starts to fail, fluid may accumulate in the lungs leading to difficulty breathing." states the Aortic Surgeon.

3. Swelling in the feet, ankles, or abdomen

  • What to note: It's common to experience tighter shoes by the end of a long day, but persistent or worsening swelling (known as oedema) anywhere in the body, particularly in the feet, ankles, or abdomen, should be investigated.

  • Why it matters: "When the heart cannot pump blood well, fluid builds up in the tissues. This buildup can cause noticeable swelling and discomfort and may indicate heart failure," advises the Cardiovascular Surgeon.

4. Indigestion, nausea, and/or pain in the stomach

  • What to note: Many will dismiss their stomach discomfort as simply indigestion or being bloated, particularly after eating. However, these symptoms can be deceiving.

  • Why it matters: "The stomach and heart are closely connected through the nervous system. When blood flow to the heart decreases, it can lead to gastrointestinal problems, including nausea or abdominal pain. Older adults and women frequently dismiss these symptoms as just "ordinary gas" problems, not realizing they could be related to heart health, according to Dr. Niranjan Hiremath.

5. Dizziness or fainting

  • What to note: Occasional lightheadedness is usually normal, but frequent dizziness or fainting should be medically evaluated.

  • Why it matters: "These symptoms could indicate serious problems such as irregular heartbeats or some type of blockage that is restricting blood flow to the brain. If you ignore the symptoms, they could lead to greater and life-threatening issues," says Dr. Hiremath.

6. Mild ache in chest

  • What to note: Not all chest pain is jagged or crushing. Many individuals experience a sensation of heaviness, tightness, or mild pressure in the chest, which may radiate to the upper back or arms.

  • Why it matters: "Many people feel a burning sensation, similar to acid reflux. This discomfort often gets better with rest, so some might think it's a minor problem. However, it could actually be a sign of a serious heart issue," says the cardiologist.

Why are these warnings missed?

The problem with these silent symptoms is that they can be indistinct and hard to identify. One might think the cause stems from other factors, such as: someone's lifestyle, someone's age, or stress, depending on the person.

  • Men: may relate the symptoms to work stress or fatigue.

  • Women: usually will connect these signs or symptoms with family responsibilities and busyness.

  • Older adults: generally dismiss symptoms as signs of the normal ageing process.

By the time this pattern of ignoring discomfort begins, the heart issue may worsen, unnoticed, until a crisis suddenly occurs.

When is it appropriate to intervene in seeking help?

"If you have any of these symptoms for more than a few days or if they get worse with activity, you should see a doctor right away. Finding issues early can save lives. Simple tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or treadmill stress test can help identify problems before they become serious. With quick treatment and the right lifestyle changes, you can greatly reduce the risk of long-term damage," the cardiologist advises.

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