Unusual Breathlessness, Jaw Pain Among Cardiac Symptoms Often Overlooked

These symptoms are often seen in women and may be ignored. A persistent cough or wheezing, especially with white or pink-tinged sputum, can sometimes indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs due to heart failure. Progressive swelling of the feet and ankles, particularly later in the day, may also signal underlying cardiac problems.

“People should not ignore unusual breathlessness during routine activities that they were previously able to do without difficulty. Fatigue and a feeling of lethargy can also be signs that need evaluation, particularly when they are new or unexplained. Chest discomfort or a continuous burning sensation should not automatically be attributed to acidity. Such symptoms need to be evaluated, particularly in people with diabetes, hypertension or a family history of heart disease,” said Dr O. Sai Satish, senior professor of cardiology and head of the unit at Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences.

Palpitations at rest, without exercise or any obvious activity, should be investigated. People with a family history of heart disease who develop unusual breathlessness or palpitations should seek an evaluation. Early investigation can help identify the problem and allow treatment to begin, he added.

Dr Ramesh Gudapati, senior consultant and head of the department of interventional cardiology at a private hospital, said, “Heavy sweating and a dragging pain in the left arm are considered classic symptoms of cardiac problems. But in many people, symptoms can be subtle. Some may become breathless during light activity. Somebody who could do a certain activity earlier may now experience severe fatigue, light-headedness or palpitations.”

“Heart-related pain can also occur anywhere from the lower jaw to the umbilicus. Individuals may not attribute these symptoms to a cardiac problem. We have had patients who went to a dentist because of jaw pain, people who went to a gastroenterologist thinking it was acidity, and people who went to an orthopaedic doctor because of back pain. These symptoms are common in women,” he added.

Preventing cardiovascular disease requires attention to everyday habits as well as regular health monitoring. Individuals should maintain a balanced diet with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and adequate protein while limiting excess salt, sugar, saturated fats and processed foods. “Most importantly, people should undergo periodic health check-ups and seek medical attention for persistent or unusual symptoms rather than waiting for a major cardiac event,” said Dr Chanakya Kishore Kammaripalli, senior interventional cardiologist.

Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol can also reduce cardiovascular risk. Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels is important, particularly for people with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors. Adequate sleep and stress management also contribute to heart health.

Dr L. Vijay, senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, said, “In the current era of constant stress, poor lifestyles and unhealthy habits such as tobacco use, many of these symptoms can be overlooked and dismissed as the result of a tiring day. Timely evaluation through screening can help identify problems early and prevent advanced heart ailments.”