Heart disease is often silent, portraying its presence in the form of inconveniences in our daily lives that are easily disregarded. According to doctors, symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained shortness of breath after doing simple tasks, or swelling of legs and ankles could be indicative of cardiac trouble way before an actual heart attack. In India, where new cases are being propelled by stress, inadequate nutrition and sedentary behaviours, such signals, like aching jaws that are mistaken for dental problems or nausea that is mistaken for indigestion, receive special attention. Ignoring them risks irreversible damage. Early recognition empowers you to act and perhaps save lives through simple lifestyle tweaks and timely check-ups.
Apart from chest pain, there are some neglected warning signs pointed out by cardiologists, such as feeling dizzy when standing up, cold sweats without prior exercise, or difficulty in sleeping because of coughing episodes at night. Such signs, mostly caused by irregular heartbeats and valve problems, are more common in women and young people in stressful and fast-paced city life. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Consultant – CTVS, Manipal ospital, Ghaziabad, shares hidden symptoms of heart problems that you must take seriously.
Alarming Signs By Heart
The heart communicates stress in more than a single way. Most of the symptoms deserve serious attention and an immediate check-up. Some of these symptoms include:
Shortness Of Breath: Feeling breathless even after light activities or while lying down could indicate your heart isn’t pumping efficiently.
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Unexplained Dizziness Or Fatigue: Constant tiredness or dizziness without any clear reason can be due to an irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure, which is not good for heart health.
Swelling And Pain: Fluid buildup, especially in the feet or ankles, can be a sign of heart failure or poor circulation of blood. Pain in the jaw, shoulder, arm, or back can also be a reflection of heart distress, particularly in women.
Cold Sweats Or Nausea: Cold sweats and nausea are often misunderstood as a stomach problem, such as food poisoning. It is shocking to know that these can often be the early symptoms of cardiovascular diseases.
Hidden Heart Symptoms (Image Credits: Canva)
Tips To Keep Your Heart Healthy
The heart always asks for the right care. Hence, adapting to some habits can make a remarkable difference:
Smart Eating: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts that are good for the blood circulation and overall heart health. Try to avoid excess salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats in the diet.
Stay Active: At least 30 minutes of brisk walking, cycling, or any other physical activity, such as yoga, keeps the heart strong and the body active.
Sleep Well: Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow the heart to recover and regulate blood pressure.
Avoid Toxins: Substances like alcohol and cigarettes significantly raise the risk of heart disease and hypertension in the human body.
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Early Detection And Treatment: If any heart disease is diagnosed, the right medications and treatment should be taken. In severe cases, surgeries like angioplasty or bypass surgery are recommended.
For most people, prevention through lifestyle, awareness, and timely medical attention is the best and most effective treatment. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels helps to identify early detection of heart issues. Because the heart never always screams for help initially, it just whispers. It is important to listen to it closely, act early for a lifetime of steady beats.