Cardiologist Shares Confusing Signs Of Heart Failure People Most Often Ignore!

Heart failure is affecting millions of Indians due to stress, poor diets, and diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. But most people don’t even realize they have it until it’s too late! Heart failure doesn’t always come with major chest pain—it can be subtle and easily mistaken for everyday fatigue. Hence knowing the hidden signs can literally be a lifesaver. To understand these lesser-known signs, we got in touch with Dr Pravin Kahale, Consultant, Cardiology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai who shares red flags you need to watch out for.

Heart Failure Crisis in India

Heart failure cases in India have increased by nearly 30 per cent in the past decade. Studies show that one in four people will experience heart failure at some point in their lives. Yet, many cases remain undiagnosed because the warning signs are often ignored or misinterpreted as minor health issues.

"People tend to ignore symptoms like excessive fatigue or swelling, assuming it’s just ageing or stress," says Dr Kahale. "By the time they seek help, the heart has already suffered significant damage."

5 Hidden Signs Of Heart Failure You Must Not Ignore

While most people associate heart problems with crushing chest pain, heart failure comes in unusual ways that are often dismissed. Dr Kahale shares some symptoms that might surprise you:

1. Frequent Nighttime Urination – Do you wake up multiple times to pee? When the heart struggles, fluid builds up in the body, which the kidneys try to eliminate at night.

2. Lingering Cough with Strange Mucus – A persistent cough that produces white or pink-tinged mucus could mean fluid is accumulating in your lungs—a major red flag!

3. Loss of Appetite and Nausea – If you feel full quickly or experience unexplained nausea, it could be due to poor circulation affecting your digestive system.

4. Forgetfulness and Confusion – Sluggish blood flow to the brain can cause memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or feeling mentally foggy.

5. Cold Hands and Feet – Poor circulation from a weak heart means less blood reaches your extremities, leaving them cold, numb, or swollen.

Why Heart Failure Often Gets Misdiagnosed

Heart failure symptoms are commonly mistaken for respiratory infections, gastric problems, or simple fatigue. "I’ve seen patients dismissed with acidity medications when, in reality, they were in the early stages of heart failure," says Dr Kahale. If you notice these warning signs, don’t ignore them—ask for a proper heart evaluation.

How To Protect Your Heart Before It’s Too Late

The good news? Heart failure is preventable and manageable if detected early. Dr Kahale shares how you can take charge of your health:

- Eat Smart – Reduce salt, processed foods, and bad fats. Load up on veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.

- Move More – Even 30 minutes of brisk walking can boost heart function and reduce risk.

- Check Your Numbers – Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly.

- Quit Smoking & Alcohol – These weaken the heart and increase your risk of failure.

- Stress Less – Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to keep stress hormones in check.

Listen To Your Body

Your body whispers before it screams. The key to avoiding heart failure is recognizing these subtle symptoms before they escalate. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these warning signs, don’t wait—consult a doctor immediately.

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