The fast-paced, stressful working life often leads many to become accustomed to fatigue, reassuring themselves when their body sends unusual signals by thinking, "It's probably just lack of rest; a little sleep will fix it." In reality, the breathlessness or palpitations you experience might not end at your bed but could be subtle warnings that cardiovascular disease is quietly advancing.
Associate Professor Dr. Torsalak Thonghong, a faculty member of the Cardiology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. She provided insightful information that heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death. Many are unaware of abnormalities because early symptoms develop gradually and blend into everyday fatigue. Careful observation of bodily changes is thus the key to timely management and treatment.
1. Chest tightness or chest pain
A sensation of pressure or heaviness as if a weight is pressing on the center or left side of the chest. Some may experience pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, shoulder, or arm. These symptoms often occur during physical exertion and usually ease with rest. If these symptoms become more frequent or severe, do not ignore them as they may signal ischemic heart disease.
2. Unusual shortness of breath or easy fatigue
If you find yourself becoming breathless more easily during normal activities, such as climbing stairs or walking short distances, this is a warning. Additionally, difficulty breathing when lying flat requiring propped-up pillows, or waking up at night feeling suffocated, are signs that warrant prompt medical evaluation.
3. Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Some may distinctly feel their heart beating rapidly, fluttering, skipping beats, or unusually slow. Especially if these symptoms arise suddenly without clear triggers and are accompanied by dizziness or faintness, immediate investigation is advised.
4. Frequent dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Fainting often relates to heart function abnormalities or certain arrhythmias that reduce adequate blood flow to the brain. Anyone experiencing unexplained fainting or dizziness combined with breathlessness should not ignore these symptoms.
5. Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
Observe your ankles, feet, or both legs for swelling, particularly if pressing a finger leaves a persistent "pit" mark. This may indicate fluid retention commonly seen in patients with compromised heart pumping efficiency.
For those wondering if they are at risk, individuals with chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol should be regularly monitored. Lifestyle factors—such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight, lack of exercise, chronic stress, and a family history of early heart disease—all contribute to faster heart deterioration.
Most importantly, if you or someone close experiences sudden chest tightness or pain, especially combined with profuse sweating, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, or pain radiating to the arm and jaw, do not wait or dismiss it as something minor. Immediate hospital care is critical because every minute counts in cardiac emergencies. The best heart care starts not when symptoms appear but today, through regular health check-ups.
Source: Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University