Warning signs of heart attack often ignored: Experts

Srinagar, July 31: In 2024, cardiovascular disease emerged as one of India’s most pressing health challenges, accounting for nearly one in every four deaths nationwide. Once viewed mainly as a concern for older adults, heart disease now affects people of all ages—including men, women, and even children.

• Knowing the early signs is very important
  Sudden Symptoms:
  • Severe chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or loss of consciousness
  Subtle, Early Indicators:
  • Mild chest discomfort
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Symptoms mistaken for indigestion

Prodromal Symptoms:
These may appear days or weeks before a heart attack—unusual tiredness, mild chest unease, or breathlessness. Though easy to overlook, recognizing these early signs can be critical for timely intervention and effective prevention.
Experts have said that it's essential to recognise the warning signs and seek medical attention immediately if someone you know is experiencing symptoms like:
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Cold sweats
• Nausea or vomiting

Dr. Dixit Garg, consultant cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, highlights that obesity is a rapidly expanding global crisis. By 2022, an estimated 878 million adults were living with obesity—up from 194 million in 1990. It’s projected that nearly two-thirds of adults aged 25+ could be overweight or obese by 2050 if current trends continue.

According to the World Heart Federation, 878 million adults lived with obesity in 2022, which is much more than the 194 million who lived with the disease in 1990. It is projected that nearly 2 in 3 adults aged 25 years or older could live with overweight or obesity by 2050 if the current growth trends continue.

“People over 35—especially those with risk factors—should get regular heart checkups,” advises Dr. Shome.
Recommended tests include ECG, echocardiogram, lipid profile, and increasingly, CT coronary angiogram to detect issues before they become critical.
According to experts, while traditional care relies on episodic testing, cardiovascular disease often progresses silently and suddenly. This gap is where many patients are lost.
Sid Das urges a shift toward continuous monitoring using AI and biomarkers to track heart health proactively, rather than waiting for symptoms to strike.