Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but the good news is that early detection can make a dramatic difference. The heart often sends out warning signals long before a major event like a heart attack occurs. Unfortunately, these early symptoms are often dismissed as minor health issues, fatigue, or stress. Recognising them early and acting quickly can save lives. According to leading cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Dr. Jai Bhagwan Dhull, awareness is the first step in preventing serious heart complications.
1. Chest Discomfort or Pain
Chest pain is one of the most well-known warning signs of heart problems. This discomfort may feel like pressure, heaviness, squeezing, or a burning sensation in the chest. Sometimes it radiates to the arms, shoulders, neck, back, or even the jaw. While chest pain can have many causes, if it occurs during physical activity or emotional stress and eases with rest, it could be angina, a strong indicator of coronary artery disease.
Dr. Jai Bhagwan Dhull stresses that even mild or occasional chest discomfort should never be ignored. What feels like simple heartburn or indigestion may, in fact, be your body’s way of warning you about restricted blood flow to the heart.
2. Shortness of Breath
Another critical warning sign is breathlessness, especially during activities that never used to be tiring—like walking up stairs, carrying groceries, or light exercise. Shortness of breath can also occur when lying flat or during sleep, forcing a person to prop themselves up with pillows to breathe comfortably.
This symptom often suggests that the heart is not pumping efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. If left unchecked, this can progress to heart failure.
3. Unexplained Fatigue or Weakness
Many people overlook constant tiredness, assuming it is due to stress, age, or lack of sleep. However, unexplained fatigue—especially if it worsens with activity—may be a sign of heart disease. When the heart struggles to supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the body, it can leave you feeling drained even after minimal effort.
Dr. Jai Bhagwan Dhull points out that this is particularly common in women, who may present with fatigue as a primary symptom instead of chest pain. That’s why subtle signs like constant exhaustion should not be brushed aside.
4. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, or Feet
If your shoes or socks feel unusually tight, or if swelling in your feet and ankles is persistent, this could indicate fluid retention caused by poor heart function. When the heart cannot circulate blood efficiently, fluid can accumulate in the lower extremities. This is often an early sign of congestive heart failure.
It’s important to pay attention to swelling, especially if it is accompanied by sudden weight gain or shortness of breath.
5. Palpitations, Dizziness, or Lightheadedness
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. This can result in sensations of fluttering, pounding, or skipped beats—commonly called palpitations.
Arrhythmias reduce the heart’s efficiency, sometimes leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. According to Dr. Jai Bhagwan Dhull, recurring palpitations or fainting spells warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate underlying structural or electrical issues with the heart.
6. Excessive Sweating, Nausea, or Indigestion
Not all heart disease symptoms are obvious. In many cases, especially among women, heart problems manifest in less typical ways such as unexplained sweating, nausea, or indigestion. Some people describe it as “feeling unwell” without being able to pinpoint why.
If these symptoms occur suddenly during physical exertion, stress, or in combination with chest discomfort, they should be taken seriously as potential warning signs of a cardiac problem.
7. Persistent Cough or Wheezing
A persistent cough that produces white or pink mucus can sometimes indicate heart failure. This happens because fluid builds up in the lungs when the heart is unable to pump effectively. While coughs are often linked to respiratory conditions, a chronic, unexplained cough—especially when paired with shortness of breath or fatigue—can point to an underlying cardiac issue.
8. Visible Changes in the Skin or Extremities
The skin can also reveal early warning signs of heart disease. For example:
- Bluish lips or fingertips may suggest low oxygen levels due to poor circulation.
- Unexplained patches or discoloration on the skin can be linked to circulation problems.
- Yellowish deposits on the eyelids (xanthelasma) may signal high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Dr. Jai Bhagwan Dhull emphasizes that while these signs may appear subtle, they should be carefully monitored, particularly in individuals with a family history of heart problems.
9. Silent Symptoms in High-Risk Groups
One of the greatest challenges in detecting heart disease is that many people—especially older adults, women, and individuals with diabetes—may not experience “classic” symptoms like chest pain. Instead, they might present with vague complaints such as fatigue, mild breathlessness, or digestive discomfort.
This makes routine check-ups and screenings all the more important. As Dr. Jai Bhagwan Dhull highlights, silent or atypical symptoms can easily be overlooked until a major event occurs, which is why preventive care is crucial.
10. When to Seek Medical Attention
If you notice any of the symptoms described above—especially if they are new, persistent, or worsening—seek medical attention immediately. Some key steps include:
- Act promptly: Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Early medical evaluation can prevent irreversible damage.
- Be honest with your doctor: Share even seemingly minor details, such as fatigue or occasional dizziness.
- Know your risk factors: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and family history all raise your risk of heart disease.
Dr. Jai Bhagwan Dhull encourages patients to undergo routine heart screenings if they fall into any high-risk categories. Tests such as ECGs, echocardiograms, stress tests, and cholesterol checks can reveal problems early, when most treatable.
The Role of Prevention
Preventing heart disease is always better than treating it after it develops. Some essential preventive measures include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Maintaining an active lifestyle with regular exercise
- Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or counselling
Dr. Jai Bhagwan Dhull emphasises that prevention and early intervention go hand in hand. Combining healthy lifestyle choices and regular check-ups can dramatically lower the risk of developing serious heart disease.
Conclusion
Heart disease does not develop overnight—it often sends out signals that, if recognised early, can prevent life-threatening complications. Symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, fatigue, swelling, palpitations, unexplained sweating, or skin changes should never be ignored.
Listening to your body and seeking timely medical care are vital steps toward protecting your heart health. If you or a loved one experiences these early warning signs, consulting an experienced heart specialist like Dr. Jai Bhagwan Dhull can provide reassurance, diagnosis, and effective treatment options.