Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in India, yet many people ignore early warning signs until it is too late. Dr. Jyotirmaya Dash, the best cardiologist in Kodambakkam, shares the 10 most critical warning signs you should never ignore.
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest pain, pressure, squeezing, or discomfort — even if mild — can indicate reduced blood flow to the heart. Do not dismiss it as indigestion. If it lasts more than a few minutes, seek immediate medical attention.
2. Shortness of Breath
Breathlessness during normal activities or while lying flat may indicate heart failure or coronary artery disease. This is particularly concerning if it is new or worsening.
3. Palpitations
A racing, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat can indicate arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) that may require treatment. Holter monitoring can capture these intermittent events.
4. Swelling in the Legs or Ankles
Oedema (swelling) in the lower legs is a common sign of heart failure, where the heart cannot pump efficiently, causing fluid to accumulate.
5. Unexplained Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired despite adequate rest — especially in women — can be an early sign of coronary artery disease or heart failure.
6. Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Frequent episodes of dizziness or near-fainting may indicate arrhythmias, reduced cardiac output, or severe aortic stenosis.
7. Pain Radiating to the Arm, Jaw, or Back
Heart attack pain often radiates beyond the chest to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back. This referred pain is a classic warning sign, especially in men.
8. Rapid or Slow Pulse
An irregular, too-fast, or too-slow pulse warrants evaluation. A resting heart rate above 100 or below 50 may indicate an underlying arrhythmia or conduction problem.
9. Cold Sweats
Breaking out in a cold sweat for no apparent reason, particularly with chest discomfort, is a classic heart attack warning sign.
10. Nausea or Stomach Pain
Heart attacks — especially in women — can present with nausea, vomiting, or upper abdominal pain that may be mistaken for a digestive problem.
When to See a Cardiologist
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jyotirmaya Dash at The CardioCare Clinic, Kodambakkam. Early evaluation with ECG, 2D Echo, and stress testing can identify problems before they become life-threatening.
Call now: +91 99943 26835 | Jayam Centre, No. 11, Kodambakkam, Chennai