Your heart is the engine of your body, a tireless muscle working 24/7 to pump life-giving blood to every cell. But like any engine, it can show signs of strain when something isn’t right. Heart disease is a leading health concern in India, but the good news is that with early diagnosis and advanced treatment, the outcomes are better than ever.

The key is listening to your body.

At Niramay Hospital, our Cardiology Department is “committed to providing world-class heart care,” and that commitment begins with patient education. It’s easy to dismiss a subtle ache as indigestion or fatigue as a “long week.” However, knowing the warning signs of heart trouble can be the difference between a preventive check-up and a life-threatening emergency.

Here are seven warning signs you should never ignore.

1. Chest Discomfort (Angina)

This is the most classic and well-known symptom of a heart problem, but it doesn’t always feel like the dramatic, clutching pain you see in movies.

What it feels like:

• Pressure or Tightness: A feeling of fullness, squeezing, or pressure in the center of your chest. Some describe it as “an elephant sitting on my chest.”
• Aching or Burning: This sensation is often mistaken for heartburn or indigestion (acid reflux).

This discomfort, known as angina, is pain that occurs when your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. It might last for a few minutes and may come and go, often worsening with activity and improving with rest.

When to act: Any new, persistent, or recurring chest pain should be evaluated immediately. If it’s severe and lasts more than a few minutes, especially with other symptoms, call for emergency help.

2. Pain or Discomfort in Other Areas

A heart problem doesn’t always manifest in the chest. Because of the complex network of nerves, pain can be “referred” to other parts of the upper body.

What it feels like:

• Pain or aching in one or both arms (most commonly the left arm)
• Pain radiating to your jaw, neck, or teeth
• Upper back pain, particularly between the shoulder blades
• Stomach pain or discomfort, which can feel like severe indigestion

This type of pain, especially if it comes on with exertion and eases with rest, is a major red flag.

3. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Feeling winded after climbing a single flight of stairs when you used to manage three? This is a sign you shouldn’t ignore.

What it feels like:

• Feeling breathless with mild activity you could previously handle.
• Waking up at night suddenly feeling out of breath.
• Needing to prop yourself up on several pillows to breathe comfortably while sleeping.

Shortness of breath can be a sign of heart failure, where the heart can’t pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to back up into the lungs. It can also occur on its own, with or without chest pain, during a heart attack.

4. Unexplained Dizziness, Lightheadedness, or Fainting

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded isn’t just a sign of a long day. If it happens repeatedly or comes on suddenly, it could be related to your heart.

What it feels like:

• A sudden feeling that the room is spinning (vertigo).
• Feeling faint, weak, or as if you might pass out (syncope).
• Losing consciousness, even for a moment.

These symptoms can be caused by arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or a drop in blood pressure, indicating your brain isn’t getting enough oxygenated blood.

5. Unusual or Extreme Fatigue

We all get tired. But heart-related fatigue is different. It’s an overwhelming, persistent exhaustion that isn’t relieved by rest.

What it feels like:

• Feeling suddenly drained after simple, everyday tasks like making the bed or walking to the car.
• A heavy, “flu-like” exhaustion that you can’t shake for days.
• Feeling more tired than usual, especially if you are a woman (fatigue is one of the most common heart attack symptoms reported by women).

This level of fatigue can be a sign that your heart is struggling to pump blood, forcing your body to divert blood away from less-vital organs and muscles.

6. Swelling in Your Legs, Ankles, or Feet (Edema)

Take a look at your feet and ankles. Is your sock line leaving a deep indentation that lasts for a while? This puffiness, called edema, can be a serious sign.

What it feels like:

• Your shoes feel unusually tight.
• Swelling in your lower legs, ankles, or feet.
• Sudden, unexplained weight gain (due to fluid retention).

When your heart doesn’t have the pumping power to move blood efficiently, fluid can build up in your body’s tissues. This “pooling” often happens in the lowest parts of your body due to gravity.

7. Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)

Most people have felt their heart “skip a beat” or “flutter” at some point, often due to stress, caffeine, or lack of sleep. But if this feeling is new, frequent, or sustained, it needs attention.

What it feels like:

• A “flip-flopping” or “fluttering” in your chest.
• A “pounding” or “racing” heart (tachycardia) even when you’re at rest.
• A feeling that your heart is “skipping” beats (bradycardia or other arrhythmias).

While often benign, palpitations can be a sign of an underlying arrhythmia that could lead to more serious complications, like stroke or heart failure, if left untreated.

Don’t Wait: What to Do If You Have Symptoms

Ignoring these signs won’t make them go away. If you or a loved one experiences any of the following, call for emergency medical help immediately:

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath at rest
• Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back
• Sudden fainting or loss of consciousness

For less severe or intermittent symptoms—like ongoing fatigue, mild breathlessness with activity, or occasional palpitations—it is crucial to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. Early diagnosis is the key to long-term prevention.

World-Class Heart Care at Niramay Hospital, Nashik

At Niramay Hospital, we understand that heart health is at the center of your overall well-being. Our dedicated Cardiology Department provides comprehensive, “world-class heart care” right here in Nashik.

As our “Featured Service: Cardiology Excellence” highlights, we are equipped with:

• Advanced Diagnostic Technology: To get a clear and accurate picture of your heart’s health, from non-invasive tests to more complex diagnostics.
• A Team of Experienced Cardiologists: Our board-certified physicians and specialists create treatment plans “carefully customized to meet individual patient needs.”
• State-of-the-Art Treatment: We specialize in the full spectrum of heart care, from “early diagnosis, advanced treatment, and long-term prevention.”

Your health is your greatest asset. Don’t let uncertainty or fear stop you from getting the answers you need. If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, or if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, it’s time to be proactive.

Contact Niramay Hospital today to schedule a consultation with our cardiology team. Your heart is in expert hands.