When people think about a heart attack, chest pain is usually the first symptom that comes to mind. It is an important warning sign, but it is not the only one. A heart problem can sometimes present through breathlessness, unusual tiredness, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or discomfort in other parts of the body. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for indigestion, exhaustion or simply being out of shape. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anjan Siotia, director of Cardiology at BM Birla Heart Hospital, shared heart symptoms you should not ignore.
Getting tired after strenuous exercise is different from suddenly struggling with a short walk or a flight of stairs. Smoking should be stopped. Diabetes, blood pressure and high cholesterol should be properly controlled, including taking prescribed medication when required. “Regular physical activity , a balanced diet, adequate sleep and better management of stress are equally important. Not every episode of breathlessness, fatigue or nausea means that something is wrong with the heart. These symptoms can have many causes. But when they are sudden, unexplained, occur together, or represent a clear change from normal, they should not be ignored. Chest pain may be the warning sign people know best, but the heart can signal a problem in several other ways too.
“Breathlessness that occurs along with chest discomfort, dizziness, sweating or unusual weakness deserves medical attention,” said Dr Anjan. Looking after mental health is part of looking after the heart as well,” said Dr Anjan.
Dr Anjan highlighted that breathlessness during an activity that was previously manageable should not be ignored, particularly if it is a new development.
Diabetes , high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity are established risk factors for heart disease. Stress is another important factor. Spending long hours on phones at night can leave little time for adequate sleep, exercise, or recovery.
The risk needs to be considered alongside the person’s overall health, according to Dr Anjan.
Competition and pressure are beginning earlier in life, while many people are also sleeping less than they should.
