Cardiologists flag outdated symptoms of heart attack and stroke, say even the ‘healthy’ are at risk

Heart attack: More than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age (Image: Pexels)

Fatigue, breathlessness, and chest tightness are often dismissed as stress or signs of ageing. But experts warn that these mild symptoms could be early signs of a heart attack, even in people who don’t smoke, drink, or have a history of heart disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, CVD is responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually, accounting for 32 percent of all global deaths. More than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.

Heart attacks have long been associated with smoking, obesity, old age, or pre-existing heart conditions. But doctors say that perception is dangerously outdated.

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“Chronic stress, poor sleep, and sedentary habits may silently damage your heart. Today, we’re seeing heart attacks in younger, non-smoking, non-drinking people who appear healthy on the surface,” Dr Saumya Sekhar Jenasamant, Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, tells Moneycontrol “Blame it on the modern lifestyle packed with deadlines, stress, poor sleep, and hours of physical inactivity. Cardiovascular disease is still the world’s leading cause of death," he adds.

Yet, most early signs and symptoms of heart attack are so mild that people brush them off.

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Symptoms of heart attack

These warning signs include:

• Fatigue
• Chest tightness or heaviness
• Breathlessness after minimal exertion
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or light-headedness

Stress and lack of sleep:

According to Dr Gulshan Rohra, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, the high-pressure nature of urban life is a major contributor to poor heart health.

“In cities bursting with ambition, it’s not just junk food or lack of exercise causing damage. It’s the relentless pace itself. People ignore what their bodies are trying to tell them, thinking it’s just part of modern life. But this neglect allows silent damage to build up over time,” he says.

Here’s what you can control:

While factors like age, gender, and genetics are beyond your control, daily lifestyle choices are not. Both Dr Jenasamant and Dr Rohra emphasise the need for a heart-smart routine, which includes:

• Regular physical activity
• A balanced, whole-food diet
• At least 7 hours of quality sleep
• Managing stress with mindfulness, therapy, or rest
• Avoiding long periods of sitting or screen time

Heed the wake-up-call

“The tragedy is that by the time someone collapses from cardiac arrest, the window to save them may already be closing,” says Dr Rohra. He advises paying close attention to how your body feels after exertion, getting routine health check-ups, and never ignoring unusual symptoms — even if you think you're too young, fit, or careful to be at risk.

FAQs on the Early Symptoms of Heart Attack

1. What are the early symptoms of a heart attack?

Fatigue, chest tightness, and breathlessness are common early symptoms. People often dismiss these signs as stress or ageing, but they can indicate a heart attack, even in non-smokers without a history of heart disease.

2. How prevalent are cardiovascular diseases globally?

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths annually. These conditions account for 32 percent of all global deaths, with heart attacks and strokes being the primary contributors.

3. Can young, healthy individuals experience heart attacks?

Yes, heart attacks can occur in young, healthy individuals. Chronic stress, poor sleep, and sedentary lifestyles contribute to heart attacks even in non-smoking, non-drinking people who appear healthy.

4. What lifestyle changes can help prevent heart attacks?

Adopting a heart-smart routine is crucial. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced whole-food diet, at least 7 hours of quality sleep, managing stress, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity or screen time.

5. How important is it to monitor early heart attack symptoms?

Monitoring early symptoms like fatigue, chest tightness, and breathlessness is vital. Ignoring these signs can be fatal. Regular health check-ups and paying attention to how your body feels after exertion can help prevent serious heart issues.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.