Listen to Your Heart: Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

World Heart Day on 29 September is a reminder that cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death — yet many serious events are preceded by warning symptoms that we miss or mislabel as “indigestion,” “fatigue,” or “stress.” Recognising the signs and acting quickly can save heart muscle — and lives.

Why Do Heart Attacks Happen? 

A heart attack can strike suddenly and affect anyone. Recognizing the warning signs quickly is crucial, as prompt medical treatment can limit heart muscle damage, restore blood flow, and greatly improve survival. 

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when a coronary artery is suddenly blocked — usually by a ruptured plaque and a clot — cutting off oxygen-rich blood to part of the heart. The longer the blockage, the greater the muscle damage. Major risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, chronic stress, and family history.

Chest Discomfort: The Classic Red Flag 

The hallmark is discomfort in the centre or left side of the chest — described as pressure, heaviness, tightness, fullness, or pain. It may last more than a few minutes, go away and come back, or build with exertion. The discomfort can radiate to the arm(s), back, neck, jaw, or shoulders. Treat chest pain — especially when new, severe, or paired with other symptoms — as an emergency.

Other common warning symptoms:

• Shortness of breath (with or without chest pain) at rest or on exertion

• Cold sweats, sudden clamminess, light-headedness, or fainting

• Nausea or an indigestion-like feeling that doesn’t settle

• Unusual, disproportionate fatigue, often noted by women

Atypical presentations: Women, older adults, and people with diabetes are more likely to have subtle or non-chest-pain symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, or jaw/neck/back discomfort.

Signs of Heart Trouble Beyond Heart Attacks

Not all heart problems are heart attacks. Some symptoms point to other cardiac conditions that still need timely care:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing at night or when lying flat, and swelling of the ankles/legs, may indicate heart failure (fluid build-up).
• Irregular heartbeats (palpitations) can be harmless but seek urgent care if they are sustained or occur with chest discomfort, breathlessness, dizziness, or fainting.

When to Act

If chest discomfort or other concerning symptoms last longer than 10–15 minutes, recur, or worsen, call emergency services (1066 for Apollo Hospitals) or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately. Do not drive yourself. Rapid treatment restores blood flow and limits heart damage.

Apollo Hospitals: Your Partner in Heart Health 

Listen to your body. A twinge of chest pressure, sudden breathlessness, or unusual exhaustion isn’t “overreacting” — it may be your heart asking for help. Early action saves lives. And when you need care, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai stands ready with expertise, compassion, and the latest technology to protect what matters most — your heart.

📞 For appointments, call Apollo Hospitals Chennai at 044 4040 1066