In today's fast-paced world, heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death globally, and India is no exception. While dramatic, crushing chest pain is often associated with heart attacks, many cardiac events begin with subtle, easily-missed symptoms that mimic everyday issues like acidity, fatigue, or stress. Experts warn that these "silent" signs can be just as dangerous, particularly when ignored or misinterpreted.

To help people understand how to identify these early indicators, experts emphasise the importance of recognising warning signs and seeking timely medical attention through regular screenings and preventive check-ups.

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"In today's fast-paced life, people often assume that chest tightness or heart fluttering comes from stress or caffeine," says Dr. PRLN Prasad who is the Consultant - Interventional Cardiologist at Gleneagles BGS Hospital Kengeri Bengaluru

"But when those sensations are accompanied by breathlessness, jaw or shoulder pain, or a feeling of 'impending doom,' it could be your heart trying to get your attention. Another overlooked sign is unexplained sweating or nausea, especially if it occurs without physical exertion" he futher explains.

Dr. P L N Kapardhi, who is the Clinical Director, Cath Lab & Sr. Interventional Cardiologist at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, echoes the concern, noting that subtle signs are often ignored until it's too late. "Many of my patients describe their first warning signs as vague chest discomfort, a burning in the upper abdomen, or an odd sense of heaviness after meals. Others report an unexplained sense of anxiety or pressure in the chest, sometimes radiating to the jaw, back, or left arm," he explains.

"What's dangerous," he adds, "is that these sensations can come and go for days before a major cardiac event. When these episodes occur with sweating, breathlessness, or dizziness."

"When the heart is under strain, tiredness takes on a different quality," notes Dr. Prasad. "It feels weighty and constant, the kind that doesn't lift even after proper rest. You may notice your energy slipping away sooner than usual, or wake up still feeling drained. Everyday activities, like walking briskly or climbing stairs, can start to leave you short of breath or needing to slow down more often than you used to. Think of it as the body's way of rationing energy because the heart isn't circulating oxygen efficiently."

Dr. Kapardhi further clarifies the difference between routine tiredness and cardiac fatigue. "Cardiac fatigue is different from everyday tiredness. It tends to appear even after minimal exertion, climbing a few stairs, taking a short walk, or doing routine chores. People often say, 'I just don't have the same stamina,' or 'I feel drained for no reason.' If rest doesn't restore your energy or if fatigue comes with breathlessness, chest tightness, or ankle swelling, it's time to get checked," he advises. "The heart may be struggling to pump efficiently, even if pain isn't obvious."

While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors are often the main drivers behind hidden cardiac stress. According to Dr. Prasad, it's often not a single bad habit but a combination of everyday stressors that silently wear down heart health, the key lifestyle factor includes:

While men often experience the 'classic' heart attack signs, women tend to have subtler and easily overlooked symptoms. Here are some signs that Dr. Kapardhi emphesises: