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According to the WHO, shortness of breath is a recognised symptom of heart disease, including heart attack, heart failure, and rheumatic heart disease.
Occasional tiredness is normal, but if you experience frequent or unexplained breathlessness, it’s time to pause and pay attention
We all have days when climbing a short flight of stairs leaves us breathless, especially after a long, tiring day. We often dismiss it as fatigue, lack of sleep, or weight gain. But have you ever considered that shortness of breath might be your body’s red flag? According to the WHO, shortness of breath is a recognised symptom of heart disease, including heart attack, heart failure, and rheumatic heart disease. Dr Deepal Katyal, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Patiala, explains why breathlessness is a concern, the warning signs you should never ignore, and tips to stay heart-healthy.
When Is It a Concern?
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Occasional tiredness is normal, but if you experience frequent or unexplained breathlessness, it’s time to pause and pay attention. Heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or abnormal heart rhythms can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. When that happens, the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen, which can leave you breathless even after light activity.
Because the heart and lungs work in tandem, a weakened heart can shift the burden to the lungs, leading to fluid build-up (pulmonary congestion) and shortness of breath. While breathlessness can also be caused by asthma, allergies, or poor fitness, cardiac breathlessness is more likely to be persistent or progressive.
What Signs Should Never Be Ignored?
Watch for these red flags and seek medical advice promptly:
Breathlessness at rest or after mild activity may indicate the heart isn’t pumping properly.
Unusual fatigue with routine tasks, everyday activities feel exhausting without a clear reason.
Swelling in the ankles or abdomen, chest discomfort/pain, or a feeling of tightness, possible signs that the heart is not functioning effectively.
Tips to Follow
Recommended check-ups: If you have persistent breathlessness, tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, or stress test are advisable.
Lifestyle changes: Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and keep blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol under control. Most importantly, quit smoking.
Advanced treatments: In severe cases, medications or procedures such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and cardiac device implantation (pacemakers, ICDs, CRT) may be required, as per your doctor’s recommendations.
Sometimes feeling tired is natural, but frequently being out of breath is not. Consider it your body’s gentle warning before it becomes an emergency, detecting heart issues early not only prevents complications but also saves lives. The next time you feel abnormally winded, listen to your body and seek expert advice.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
October 02, 2025, 12:51 IST
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