World Heart Day 2025: Beware Of These Subtle Symptoms Of A Heart Attack

“Just 40 years of age, healthy and fit. No smoking and never tasted alcohol,” mentioned an employer’s viral LinkedIn post. He was referring to one of his employees who died of a sudden cardiac arrest. What came as a shock is that the employee texted and asked for a leave just 10 minutes before he passed away. This post shocked people to the core, and brought attention yet again to the subtle and hidden symptoms of heart attack.

There are subtle signs one tends to overlook or mistake for something not quite so critical. These signs could be the body’s way of informing a person that they need to seek help before it turns fatal. Thus, one should be careful of such signs and undergo routine checkups to keep the heart healthy. As World Heart Day 2025 is approaching, let’s deep dive into the subtle signs of heart attack that we often overlook.

We got in touch with Dr Saurabh Chopra, Consultant - Cardiology, Fortis Manesar, who shared his insights on this topic.

Heart Attack And Its Causes

A heart attack, also termed as a myocardial infarction, takes place when blood flow to the heart is blocked or cut off. Lack of oxygen-rich blood flowing to the heart can damage the affected area. The heart muscle begins to die as a result.

People of any age or gender can have a heart attack. It is generally believed that the risk of a heart attack increases with age. Older adults are more prone to it. Different factors can put someone at risk. Certain factors like age and family history can make someone prone to heart attacks. Let’s take a look at some other risk factors that can be modified:

• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• High levels of stress
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Eating a diet high in trans fats and saturated fats
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Sleep apnea

Common Symptoms Of Heart Attack

Symptoms of heart attacks are not the same for everyone. Here are some of the common signs:

• Chest pain or discomfort, ranging from mild to severe.
• Pain in your shoulders, arms, chest, neck or jaw.
• Stomach pain, which may spread and feel like heartburn.
• Anxiety.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sweating and cold, clammy skin.

Also read: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/beta-blockers-used-to-treat-heart-attack-may-prove-fatal-for-women-study-12977837807

Subtle Signs Of Heart Attack

Heart attacks in relatively younger and seemingly fit people are becoming more common these days. Speaking about the probable causes behind this, Dr Chopra says: “Increased stress levels, excessive smoking, exposure to ambient air pollution, increased consumption of junk food and lack of physical activity – all these lead to various cardiovascular risk factors like BP, sugar, cholesterol and incurring heart attacks in younger people. Also, following social media blindly without proper consultation can lead to wrong practices and decisions for personal health.”

According to a report, these are some of the subtle signs of a heart attack:

1. Unexplained Fatigue

Fatigue is often overlooked. If you feel tired even after a restful sleep at night, then it might be a heart problem. The heart pumps oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. If this function is not carried out well, then it can result in unexplained exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest.

2. Shortness Of Breath During Light Activity

If you find yourself breathless after climbing down stairs or doing a light household chore, then be cautious. This could be a warning sign of heart disease.

3. Jaw Or Neck Pain

Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom. But the discomfort can radiate to other parts of the body as well, such as the jaw, neck, shoulders, and back.

Also read: Types Of Pain You Should Never Ignore, According To An Emergency Physician

4. Swelling In Feet, Ankles, Or Legs

Continued swelling, especially if it worsens with time, maybe a sign that your heart is not functioning well.

5. Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)

Experiencing occasional irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia are common. But if it happens too often and lasts for a long period of time, then it might indicate a serious heart condition.

How To Prevent A Heart Attack

“If you have various risk factors then it is always better to get an ECG done, and follow up with various EG stress testing to rule out risk of potential heart attacks,” advices Dr Chopra.

The expert further jots down certain lifestyle tips one can follow to prevent cardiac arrests:

• Maintain healthy weight
• Avoid smoking
• Manage BP, sugar and cholesterol
• Be active
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Go for checkups every every 6 to 12 months (more frequent if suffering from an ailment)

Conclusion

It is generally believed that the risk of a heart attack increases with age. But in today’s day and age, people of any age can succumb to cardiac arrests. Thus, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle and go for regular checkups.