10 Subtle Signs of Heart Disease You Should Never Ignore
Cardiac Sciences

10 Subtle Signs of Heart Disease You Should Never Ignore

Heart disease is often perceived as a sudden and severe health issue, but it can silently develop over time. While symptoms like chest pain are well-known, subtle signs are frequently overlooked. It is important to recognise these early signs for timely intervention. The diagnostics technology today is sufficiently advanced to be able to spot these signs early on and significantly reduce complications.

If you experience unusual symptoms, it is important to check in with the best heart doctor in Faridabad for a thorough evaluation. Early diagnosis can save lives. In this blog, we explore ten early signs of heart problems that may help you avoid complications later.

  • Unexplained Fatigue

Chronic fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness should not be ignored, as they may be the signs of a deeper cardiovascular issue needing immediate care. If you are tired even after resting, it may be because your heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently.

Reduced oxygen supply makes the muscles fatigued and weak. If this tiredness is impacting your daily life, you need to consult the best cardiologist in Faridabad.

  • Swelling in Feet and Ankles

Your ankles and feet might swell if you stand for a long period, but persistent swelling in the feet and ankles, especially if it is with other symptoms, should be checked by a health professional to rule out heart-related issues. Swollen ankles and feet may occur due to fluid retention and heart failure.

When the heart is unable to pump blood as it used to, fluids build up in the lower extremities of the body. If the swelling persists or worsens, it is important to refer to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

  • Frequent Dizziness or Lightheadedness

If you experience dizziness and shortness of breath with palpitations, it may mean that the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Seeking help from a medical doctor to check for underlying conditions is important. If you get lightheaded or dizzy when standing up quickly, it could mean poor blood circulation.

This can happen due to irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure or heart valve disease. If dizziness is frequent, you should refer to a doctor for further evaluation.

  • Persistent Cough or Wheezing

When heart failure occurs, fluid backs up in the lungs, which can lead to wheezing or persistent coughing; if this happens regularly, a heart health assessment is crucial to ensure you're addressing the right issue. A lingering cough that produces white or pink mucus might be a sign of fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart failure.

Although people frequently think it happens due to a respiratory infection, chronic coughing and shortness of breath may indicate heart problems. Visit the best heart hospital in Faridabad for detailed checking and tests.

  • Nausea and Indigestion

Nausea, indigestion and stomach discomfort may also be signs of a heart attack, especially in women. If these symptoms appear alongside chest tightness or shortness of breath, seeking medical help is important. Heart disease can sometimes present as nausea, indigestion or stomach pain, especially for women. These signs are mistakenly thought of as being due to gastrointestinal issues.

If you experience unexplained digestive discomfort and chest pain with shortness of breath, consult a medical professional immediately.

  • Irregular Heartbeat

An irregular heartbeat, or palpitations, that lasts longer than a few minutes or is associated with lightheadedness or fainting should be checked by a cardiologist to ensure the heart’s rhythm is stable and healthy. A fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest, known as heart palpitations, can signal arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat.

Palpitations, if they happen sometimes, may not be a cause for concern, but if they occur frequently and severely, they should not be ignored. Get an appointment with the best cardiologist in Greater Noida to get professional help in identifying heart conditions and to ensure proper treatment.

  • Jaw, Neck, or Back Pain

Pain in the areas from chest to jaw, neck or back is often a silent warning of heart issues. It generally arises in the early stages of a heart attack and requires prompt medical attention. Heart-related pain doesn't always need to be in the chest. Discomfort in the above areas, especially when doing physical activities, might indicate a future heart attack.

Most people overlook these symptoms, especially in women. But if you experience unexplained pain in these areas, you must visit a cardiologist and get it checked.

  • Cold Sweats

Cold sweats, when they occur with other signs like chest pain or shortness of breath, should be considered a serious concern and could indicate a heart attack in progress — getting immediate help can be lifesaving. Breaking out in a cold sweat without any obvious cause can be a sign of a heart attack.

It often happens with other symptoms like dizziness or chest discomfort. Sudden, unexplained sweating is a way of signalling distress in your body. Seek immediate medical attention for it.

  • Sleep Disturbances

If you’re experiencing disturbed sleep patterns or waking up gasping for air, it may be a sign of sleep apnoea, which is closely linked to heart disease and should be diagnosed and managed promptly. If you frequently wake up suddenly from sleep, have difficulty falling asleep or snore loudly, it could indicate sleep apnoea. It is a condition linked to heart problems, and interruption in breathing while you are sleeping strains your heart.

If you experience these symptoms, consult the best heart doctor in Faridabad to determine your heart health and eliminate any potential risks.

  • Weak Grip Strength

A noticeable decrease in grip strength, especially in older adults, has been shown to correlate with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, making it important to speak to a cardiologist about maintaining overall heart health. Surprisingly, studies suggest a link between weak grip strength and poor heart health. Reduced muscle strength could be a sign of low cardiovascular endurance.

If you notice your grip strength declining, you should get your heart health evaluation from the best cardiologist hospital in Faridabad to rule out any underlying conditions.

Conclusion

Heart diseases are hard to detect until they become severe. Pay attention to these subtle signs and take preventive steps to protect your heart. If you experience persistent fatigue, dizziness or unexpected pain, your body may be trying to signal the need for medical attention.

You will get comprehensive cardiac care at Sarvodaya Hospital, backed by state-of-the-art technology and a team of experienced specialists. We have been recognised as the best heart hospital in Faridabad. We offer advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment plans and compassionate care to all our patients. 

Sarvodaya's team is dedicated to guiding you to a life with a healthier heart. Prioritise your well-being - because a strong heart means a better life.

Dr. Amit Kumar | Interventional Cardiology,Cardiology,Cardiac Sciences | Sarvodaya Hospital

Dr. Amit Kumar
Associate Director & Head (Unit I) - Interventional Cardiology

View Profile

Blogs by Doctor