06/25/2025

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. And in India too, the prevalence of heart ailments is going up steadily—necessarily silently. Heart disease doesn't always start with a melodramatic heart attack. In fact, early signs of heart disease are very mild and can be easily overlooked.

Why Is It Important to Recognize Early Signs of Heart Disease?

Early detection of heart disease can prevent severe problems like heart attacks, heart failure, or stroke. The sooner you detect symptoms and get to a doctor, the better your chances are of being able to manage the condition and remain healthy.

Unfortunately, most people ignore the body's initial warning signals. They write off fatigue or chest pain as "normal." However, these symptoms could be your heart screaming for help.

1. Mild Chest Pain: Is It Gas or a Warning Sign?

Chest pain or discomfort is the most common first symptom of heart disease. It is not necessarily a sharp pain. Some describe it as:

• A squeezing or pressure feeling in the chest
• A burning or fullness feeling
• Discomfort that spreads to the arms, neck, shoulders, or back

Most of the time, people think it's only gas or acidity. But if the pain is not constant, gets worse with activity, or is linked to underlying shortness of breath, don't dismiss it.

Even mild chest pain can be a symptom of reduced circulation of blood to the heart, a condition known as angina. It might lead to a heart attack if not treated.

2. Shortness of Breath: Are You Just Unfit or Is It Your Heart?

Do you find yourself panting when you climb the stairs that never bothered you earlier? Or find yourself puffing even with minimal efforts?

This may be more than just a lack of fitness. Shortness of breath—particularly if it's sudden or worsening—may be an early sign of heart disease.

Here's why: If your heart isn't pumping the way it should, your lungs might not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. That makes it difficult to breathe.

Look out for:

• Trouble breathing when lying down
• Waking in the middle of the night gasping for air
• Needing additional pillows to sleep soundly

If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially with swelling or fatigue, see a doctor.

3. Fatigue: Why Are You So Tired All the Time?

We all become tired every once in a while. But persistent or unusual fatigue can be an early sign of heart issues—especially for women.

If you observe:

• Tiredness despite sleeping well at night
• Getting tired easily while doing daily activities
• Feeling weakness or heaviness in your arms

…your heart may not be working as effectively. That leaves your muscles and tissues without enough oxygen, and you're basically always tired.

Don't dismiss new or unusual fatigue, especially if you're otherwise active.

4. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, or Feet: Could It Be Your Heart?

Swelling (edema) of your ankles, feet, or legs may not be concerning when it first happens. Most patients blame it on standing for hours or weather changes. But if it is ongoing, unexplained, or worsening, it could be a sign of a weak heart.

Why does this happen?

If your heart is not healthy, it cannot pump blood well. So, blood can accumulate in the lower parts of your body, and water seeps into tissues—causing swelling.

This is especially concerning if swelling occurs together with:

• Difficulty breathing
• Tiredness
• Water retention causing weight gain

These are congestive heart failure symptoms that need to be treated by a physician right away.

5. Irregular Heartbeat: When Should You Be Concerned?

The occasional flutter or rapid heartbeat is normally benign. However, recurring palpitations, skipped beats, or irregular heart rhythms may be a sign of heart disease in its early stages.

Irregular heartbeat—also referred to as arrhythmia—may result in fatal complications such as stroke or heart failure.

Red flags include:

• The sensation of a racing or pounding heart for no apparent reason
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or near-fainting attacks

If your pulse is too slow, too rapid, or irregular, don't write it off. A quick check-up can rule out potential serious conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart valve defects.

Other Early Signs You Should Not Ignore

In addition to the five key indicators described above, here are some additional, less common early signs of heart disease:

• Unexplained cold sweats
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in women
• Pain in the jaw, back, or arm
• Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
• Difficulty with thinking or confusion, especially in older adults

These do not seem to be related to the heart but could indicate compromised circulation or reduced oxygenation to the brain and body.

Heart Disease in Women: Different & Sometimes Silent

Women generally experience different symptoms of heart disease than men. Instead of usual chest discomfort, they may experience:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Back or jaw pain
• Anxiety or discomfort
• Shortness of breath at rest

Because these symptoms are early and mild, most women do not seek help. This awareness at an early stage becomes a must for all women of all ages, especially after menopause.

What Triggers Heart Symptoms?

Identifying the causes of heart symptoms enables you to take preventive measures.

Common causes and risk factors are:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Inactive lifestyle
• Poor diet
• Poor sleep and stress

Other people may also have a family history of heart disease, making them more susceptible to developing it even if they feel entirely healthy.

How Do You Prevent Heart Disease?

You don't need to wait for the signs. Start protecting your heart today with these simple lifestyle changes:

• Heart-healthy diet (low salt, low sugar, low trans fat)
• 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week
• Quit smoking and have a moderate drinking habit
• Keep your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol in check
• Manage stress with hobbies or relaxation techniques
• Sleep for 7–8 hours each night
• Regular check-ups for your heart, especially after the age of 40
• Small things every day can prevent big problems later.

When to See a Doctor?

Do not delay until symptoms are severe. See a doctor if you have:

• Frequent chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath without cause
• Swelling of legs or ankles
• Irregular heart rate
• Continued weakness or fatigue

Also, go for regular heart checkup if you have:

• Heart disease in the family history
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Obesity or lifestyle risk factors

Early checks like ECG, echocardiogram, stress tests, or blood tests can diagnose heart issues even before symptoms become known.

Conclusion

Your body is most likely giving you hints—little ones or large ones. What matters is to listen and act early.

By learning the early warning signs of heart disease, you're not only saving your own life—you're also modeling for your family and community.

Heart disease doesn't occur overnight, neither does heart health. Build it, guard it, and remain informed.