Heart disease is one of the leading causes of illness in India, and Mohali is no exception. With rising stress levels, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and undiagnosed medical conditions, many people develop heart problems without even realizing it. What makes heart disease most dangerous is its silent nature — symptoms often appear gradually and are mistaken for routine fatigue, acidity, stress, or aging.
According to Dr. Honey Sharma, a leading interventional cardiologist in Mohali, early detection is the key to preventing heart attacks, heart failure, and severe complications. Recognizing subtle symptoms can save lives.
This detailed guide explains the Top 10 Early Warning Signs of Heart Disease, how they appear, and when you should meet a heart specialist in Mohali.
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort (Angina)
Chest pain is the most common warning sign of underlying heart disease. It may not always feel like severe pain — sometimes it appears as:
- Tightness
- Pressure
- Burning
- Heaviness
- A squeezing sensation
Many people ignore chest discomfort by assuming it’s acidity or gas. However, chest pain that occurs during walking, climbing stairs, or emotional stress and improves with rest is a classic sign of reduced blood supply to the heart.
When to see a cardiologist in Mohali:
If chest discomfort lasts more than a few minutes or keeps coming back, consult a heart specialist immediately.
2. Shortness of Breath (Breathlessness)
If you feel breathless during normal activities or even while resting, it could be a sign of:
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Weak heart muscles
- Fluid accumulation in the lungs
Shortness of breath that progressively worsens should never be ignored.
Women and elderly patients often experience breathlessness more commonly than chest pain during a heart attack.
Seek medical attention if:
You cannot lie down flat without feeling breathless or you wake up gasping for air.
3. Unexplained Fatigue or Weakness
Feeling constantly tired even after proper rest can indicate reduced heart function. If the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, the body receives less oxygen, leading to fatigue.
Common signs include:
- Feeling exhausted after simple tasks
- Needing more rest than usual
- Difficulty completing daily chores
- Feeling sleepy or drained frequently
Many patients in Mohali believe fatigue is due to overwork or age, but persistent fatigue can be an early signal of heart failure or coronary blockage.
4. Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeats
Heart palpitations feel like:
- Fluttering
- Racing
- Skipping beats
- Thumping sensations
These symptoms may occur due to arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), valve problems, anxiety, or blockages.
Warning signs include:
- Palpitations with dizziness
- Palpitations with chest pain
- Sudden speed-up or slow-down of heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
Holter monitoring and ECG testing with a cardiologist in Mohali can detect rhythm disorders early.
5. Swelling in Feet, Ankles, or Legs
Swelling (edema) occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to accumulate in the body.
Common symptoms include:
- Tight shoes
- Puffy legs
- Swelling around the ankles
- Abdominal bloating
Edema is often associated with heart failure, kidney problems, or venous disorders. If swelling persists, a cardiology evaluation is crucial.
6. Dizziness or Fainting Spells
Reduced blood flow to the brain due to:
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Low blood pressure
- Valve issues
- Cardiomyopathy
…can lead to dizziness or fainting.
If you experience:
- Sudden blackouts
- Lightheadedness
- Frequent dizziness
…it may indicate a heart condition requiring immediate attention.
7. Persistent Cough or Wheezing
A lingering cough that doesn’t improve with medication may point to fluid buildup in the lungs — a sign of heart failure.
Symptoms include:
- Wet cough
- Difficulty breathing at night
- Pink or blood-tinged mucus (advanced condition)
If allergies or infections are ruled out, a cardiac evaluation is essential.
8. Pain in Jaw, Neck, Shoulder, or Back
Heart-related pain does not always appear in the chest. Many people — especially women — experience heart attack symptoms as:
- Jaw pain
- Shoulder stiffness
- Neck discomfort
- Upper back pressure
These symptoms occur because the nerves supplying the heart also connect to these areas.
If you have unexplained discomfort in these regions associated with exertion, meet a cardiologist immediately.
9. Indigestion, Nausea, or Stomach Pain
Many heart patients experience symptoms similar to acidity:
- Burning sensation
- Stomach heaviness
- Vomiting
- Indigestion after meals
Because these resemble gastric issues, people often ignore them until it’s too late. If digestive symptoms appear suddenly, with sweating or breathlessness, it may be a warning sign of a heart attack.
10. Excessive Sweating (Cold Sweats)
Unusual sweating, especially cold sweats, is a classic sign of reduced blood supply to the heart.
You should be concerned if sweating occurs with:
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
If you experience cold sweats without physical exertion, seek medical help immediately.
Why These Symptoms Occur – The Medical Insight
Heart disease often begins with the narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis) due to cholesterol deposits, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and lifestyle habits. When blood flow to the heart reduces:
- Muscles weaken
- Rhythm becomes abnormal
- Pumping efficiency reduces
Early symptoms are the body’s alarm signals — and ignoring them can lead to sudden heart attack or cardiac arrest.
Who Is at Higher Risk in Mohali & Chandigarh?
You need regular heart checkups if you have:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking history
- Family history of heart disease
- Chronic stress
- Previous COVID infection
People above 40 are especially encouraged to undergo preventive heart screenings.
When Should You See a Cardiologist in Mohali?
You should book an appointment if:
- Any of the symptoms persist
- Symptoms worsen with activity
- You experience chest discomfort
- You have multiple risk factors
- You have a family history of heart problems
Early diagnosis prevents major complications.
How Dr. Honey Sharma Helps Patients Detect Heart Disease Early
As a leading interventional cardiologist in Mohali, Dr. Honey Sharma specializes in:
- Coronary Angiography
- Angioplasty (PTCA)
- Imaging-guided PCI (OCT/IVUS)
- Pacemaker implantation
- Stress test (TMT)
- Echocardiography (ECHO)
- Holter monitoring
- Treatment of heart failure & arrhythmias
With years of experience in advanced cardiac care, she provides accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and compassionate patient care.
Her clinic is equipped with modern facilities for early detection and effective management of heart disease.
Final Thoughts – Do Not Ignore the Warning Signs
Your heart always gives signals before something serious happens. Paying attention to early symptoms, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and going for regular checkups can prevent life-threatening complications.
If you or your loved ones experience any of the signs mentioned above, consult a qualified cardiologist immediately.
For expert evaluation and advanced heart care in Mohali, you can visit:
📍 OPD 20, Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 63, Mohali
🌐 www.drhoneysharma.com