5 signs that can indicate impending heart problem

Chest pain or discomfort

One may experience heaviness in the chest and back, left shoulder pain radiating to arm and jaw pain. At times it may only be a feeling of uneasiness in the chest and ‘Ghabrahat’ or a feeling of impending doom. Some people may experience burning in the chest commonly described as heartburn. The pain is usually after strenuous activity like walking, climbing stairs, or lifting heavy objects but may also occur at rest. All these can indicate underlying heart attacks.

Dizziness, fainting or near syncope

Patients may feel dizzy or become unconscious suddenly or after an episode of palpitations. This can indicate underlying fatal arrhythmias or heart blocks. We must differentiate these symptoms from epilepsy or fits which occur due to brain problems.

Shortness of breath

Experiencing breathlessness, specially after routine physical activities can be a sign of underlying heart disease like coronary blockages, valve diseases or heart failure. Breathlessness on bending forward (Bendopnea) can be a very early sign and needs evaluation by a 2D echo.

Disturbed sleep or night sweats

They can indicate problems with the pumping of the heart or excessively high blood pressure. One typically wakes up in the middle of the night feeling breathless and has to get out of bed, and open windows to fill the air-hunger.

⁠Nausea, atypical symptoms - these are mainly seen in diabetic patients and women and may need evaluation with ECG, Echo and Stress test.

Article by --Dr Bhushan Bari, MBBS, DNB – General Medicine, DNB – Cardiology, Cardiologist, Ruby Hall Clinic Pune