• 30 June 2025

Often, heart disease is a silent stalker, with easy-to-ignore early symptoms. But when we ignore these warning signs, we can put our health at serious risk. Being aware of the early signs of heart disease can help prevent heart disease and live a longer, healthier life. Whether it’s unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or some other new feeling, your body often tells you when a major heart problem is on the way.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at common heart disease symptoms that you should never ignore. We will explain what these symptoms mean, ranging from a slight discomfort in the chest to changes in the heartbeat and swelling in your legs, and what you should do in response.

What are the early signs of heart disease?

Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest

This is one of the most recognized signs, but it often gets ignored. You might feel:

• A tightness or squeezing in your chest
• Pressure, as if something is pressing down on your chest
• Burning or aching, mistakenly we think because of acidity or gas.

This kind of chest pain and heart issues may last a few minutes, or they could come and go. It can occur while you exercise or be triggered by emotional stress, or even at rest. If you’re experiencing chest pain regularly, don’t shrug it off; get medical help.

Shortness of breath

When you walk a short distance or go upstairs, do you get out of breath easily? This occurs when the heart isn’t able to pump enough oxygen-rich blood. It’s even more serious if it happens at the time of rest or when lying flat. Moreover, if it comes with chest pain or fatigue, then your heart is pleading for assistance.

Extreme or Unusual Fatigue

It’s normal to feel tired at times, but if you feel worn out after an activity as simple as folding the laundry, getting dressed, or walking to the bathroom, that’s not normal.

This can happen when:

• Your heart isn’t doing a very effective job; there is less oxygen in your muscles.
• Your body is putting in so much hard work to push the blood around.
• Especially in women, this sort of deep fatigue is a warning sign that your body is experiencing a severe energy drain in preparation for a heart attack.

Irregular heartbeat

If you have an irregular heartbeat, then it might be stress-related, too much caffeine, or a lack of sleep, but frequent or intense palpitations can be an early warning sign of heart issues like arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation. You may feel like there is thumping or fluttering in the chest or a racing heart while at rest.

Swelling in Feet, Ankles, or Legs

This is because your heart can’t circulate blood very well, and fluid begins to collect in the lower tissues of the body. If you press down on the area and it leaves a dent, that’s a sign of a heart disease symptom, for which you need to get checked out. 

Dizziness or Light-headedness

You might feel as if you are about to faint or lose your balance if:

• Your blood pressure drops instantly.
• Your heart can’t pump blood up to your brain.

Dizziness accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath can be extremely risky and requires immediate medical care.

Nausea, indigestion, or upset stomach

Heart problems are not always visible in the chest. You may feel:

• Full quickly when eating
• Sudden or gradually increasing pain or burning in the upper belly
• Nausea without any stomach infection

These signs, particularly in women, may be mistaken for acidity or food-related problems. If it’s new or unexplained, don’t ignore it.

Sweating for no reason

If you have sudden sweats that have nothing to do with exercise or the temperature, it’s probably a sign that something is off with your heart. It could be that this is just your body’s reaction to decreased blood flow and oxygen. It is often seen if it occurs with chest pain or fatigue.

Pain in arms, neck, jaw, or back

Occasionally, chest pain and heart issues don’t even feel like chest pain. Pain may spread to the heart; it’s a sign of heart disease.

• The left arm (most common)
• Both shoulders
• The neck or jaw
• The upper back

Conclusion

If you feel any of the signs and if it is persistent, then don’t ignore it because it can lead to some serious heart-related issues. Moreover, you might not need any surgery because early detection can be treated with EECP treatment at Oplus Heart Center. The treatment is minimally invasive, quick recovery and no hospital stays.