Sleeping with extra pillows can be comfy but can also indicate a deadly disease. Doctor explains why: ‘People blame reflux/poor sleep but…’

Nearly everybody is familiar with the tell-tale signs of an impending heart attack – an individual gets heart palpitations or develops chest pain before their heart fails. However, a doctor recently revealed some relatively painless signs that your heart is failing. Taking to X, internal medicine expert Dr Priyam Bordoloi shared some subtle signs that an individual’s heart is failing.

Your Pillow Count Keeps Increasing

If you cannot sleep flat and need two or three pillows, or suddenly wake up gasping for air. Most people blame reflux or poor sleep. However, resting flat can exacerbate fluid backup into the lungs if the heart cannot keep up.

Your Socks Leave Deep Rings

By nightfall, your ankles appear swollen, and your shoes feel tighter. A dent could result from pressing the skin.


This can be caused by standing all day. However, fresh swelling in both legs may indicate fluid accumulation, particularly if there is dyspnoea or a sharp increase in weight.

You Feel Tired Climbing Stairs

If climbing a flight of stairs makes you breathless and/or if carrying groceries leaves you exhausted, something may not be right with your heart. “Many call it ageing or poor fitness. But a clear decline in what you could do weeks ago can mean your heart is no longer keeping up…” he wrote.

You Pee More At Night

Lying down causes the kidneys to produce more urine because fluid that has accumulated in the legs is returned to the bloodstream.

There are numerous reasons for nocturia. However, the heart also has to be checked if it is brand-new and has swollen ankles, additional pillows, or dyspnoea.

Some More Signs Your Heart Health Is At Risk

The British Heart Foundation shared some more red flags your heart may be failing:

A heart attack or other cardiac issue may be indicated by a burning or painful sensation in your stomach or chest.

A perpetual painful sensation in your leg may be caused by peripheral arterial disease.

Pain in your arm, jaw and back should never be ignored.