India

Cardiologist shares 7 early signs of heart failure most people miss

The silent threat your heart might be hiding
Agencies
1/8
The silent threat your heart might be hiding
Heart failure doesn’t always start with chest pain or drama. Cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, in a recent social media post revealed how it often begins quietly with small, everyday symptoms that are easy to ignore. Your heart might be asking for help long before you realise something’s wrong.
Not your typical “heart attack” moment
Agencies
2/8
Not your typical “heart attack” moment
Forget the dramatic collapse seen in movies, most heart failure cases start silently. There’s often no sudden pain, just a gradual dip in energy as your body struggles to keep up. That quiet, unexplained fatigue could be your heart’s first cry for help.
It starts quietly
Agencies
3/8
It starts quietly
Early signs of heart failure can feel like normal tiredness or poor sleep. You might feel slightly breathless or low on energy and blame it on stress or a busy schedule. But according to Dr Yaranov, these subtle changes may mean your heart is working harder than it should.
The fatigue that never lifts
Agencies
4/8
The fatigue that never lifts
This isn’t ordinary tiredness - it’s a deep, persistent exhaustion that even rest or caffeine can’t fix. When your heart struggles to pump efficiently, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, leaving you drained no matter how much you sleep.
Bloating, fullness, and sudden weight gain
Agencies
5/8
Bloating, fullness, and sudden weight gain
If you’re feeling bloated, full after small meals, or noticing your clothes fit tighter, it may not be about food. Dr Yaranov explains that fluid buildup from heart strain can cause swelling and sudden weight gain, one of the most overlooked early warning signs.
Breathlessness and daily exhaustion
Agencies
6/8
Breathlessness and daily exhaustion
Shortness of breath during light activities or needing extra naps to get through the day are subtle red flags. These signs suggest your heart might be struggling to circulate oxygen efficiently, a symptom that’s often mistaken for stress or poor fitness.
Unexplained weight gain
Agencies
7/8
Unexplained weight gain
A slow, steady increase on the scale without overeating could point to fluid retention from a weakened heart. It may seem harmless at first, but this hidden buildup can indicate that your heart is quietly under pressure and needs attention.
Listen before it’s too late
8/8
Listen before it’s too late
Heart failure doesn’t always announce itself loudly, it whispers. Dr Yaranov urges everyone to trust their body’s small changes and not write off persistent fatigue, bloating, or breathlessness. Recognising these early signs can make all the difference
  • Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general awareness only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider or your own doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concerns. ET bears no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes arising from the use of this information.

Open in App
Success
This article has been saved