The human heart is the engine of the body, which continuously pumps blood with oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body. But when this function is not working properly, the body starts signaling in different ways. Some of these signs are so mild that we ignore them, while others are so obvious that we need immediate attention. If ignored, these can lead to serious conditions such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or heart attack. Metabolic expert Dr. Sudhanshu Roy lists 10 early signs that should never be ignored. Let’s know about them:
If you experience frequent dizziness, blurred vision, or fainting, this may be a sign of insufficient oxygenated blood reaching the brain. Don’t ignore it as a weakness, especially if it happens frequently or during routine tasks.
Frequent awakenings at night, coughing, or shortness of breath when lying down can be signs of a heart problem. Heart failure worsens when lying down, as fluids in the body shift and breathing becomes difficult.
A feeling of tightness, pressure, or heaviness in the heart can be a sign of a heart problem. It could be angina, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, or an early sign of a heart attack. Even mild or intermittent pain should not be ignored.
If climbing stairs, walking a short distance, or doing simple household chores suddenly feels overwhelming, it may be a sign that the heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This is called exercise intolerance and is an early sign of impaired heart function.
A weight gain of 2 to 3 kg in a few days is not a sign of normal obesity, but a sign of fluid accumulation in the body. It occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood properly and the kidneys are unable to excrete fluid.
A persistent cough, especially with white or pink, frothy mucus, may indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs. It is often mistaken for a lung problem, but it can also be heart related.
Having a fast, intermittent beat can indicate that the heart is struggling to pump blood. This is called an arrhythmia and can be part of heart disease.
Feeling constantly tired, lacking energy, or weak, even when well rested, can also be a sign of heart failure. When the heart is not able to pump enough blood, muscles and organs are deprived of oxygen and energy.
Swelling in the feet or ankles, peripheral edema occurs when blood flow slows and fluid collects in the surrounding tissues. Due to gravity, this swelling is usually seen in the feet and ankles.
Difficulty breathing while lying down, waking suddenly for air at night, or sleeping with the pillow crooked are classic symptoms of heart failure. This is called orthopnea and occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood properly, causing fluid to collect in the lungs.