Is Your Body Begging For Help? Hidden Signs To Spot A Heart Attack
Heart attacks in India are increasing among adults aged 30-49 due to sedentary lifestyles, stress, and poor diets. Early detection is crucial, as symptoms can be subtle.
Imagine waking up feeling drained, with a strange pressure in your chest and a gut feeling that something's off. You chalk it up to stress or a rough night's sleep. But what if your body is sounding an alarm about something more serious?
Heart attacks in India are no longer just an 'old age" concern. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports that cardiovascular diseases are behind over 25% of all deaths in the country.
A 2020 study in The Lancet revealed a sharp increase in heart attacks among adults aged 30 to 49 in the past two decades.
Sedentary routines, chronic stress, and unhealthy eating habits are accelerating this trend, affecting Indians in the prime of their lives.
Why Early Detection Matters?
Spotting the early signs of a heart attack can be life-saving. Catching a heart attack early can drastically improve outcomes.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), seeking treatment within the 'golden hour"—the first 60 minutes after symptoms appear—can reduce damage to the heart muscle by up to 50%.
Then there are the 'silent" heart attacks—those that occur without the hallmark chest pain.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that almost 50% of heart attacks may be silent, particularly in women and older adults.
These often go unnoticed until an ECG picks up heart damage later. In India, where heart disease is the top killer, paying attention to the less obvious symptoms is more important than ever, especially for younger adults with high-risk lifestyles.
Subtle Symptoms That Could Signal Trouble
Your body often starts whispering days—or even weeks—before a heart attack hits. Trusted sources like the Mayo Clinic and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) highlight these symptoms to watch for:
These signals can be faint or infrequent, but if they stick around or occur together, don't ignore them.
Why People Miss These Warning Signs?
In India, there's a deep-rooted cultural habit of toughing things out. According to the Indian Heart Journal (2023), many people hesitate to report vague discomforts, preferring to push through them.
Plus, symptoms like fatigue or nausea are so general that they're often blamed on stress, bad food, or lack of sleep (Mayo Clinic).
Media portrayals haven't helped either—most show heart attacks as dramatic events with someone clutching their chest and collapsing.
In real life, especially for women, the signs are often far subtler. According to ICMR, young adults also frequently believe they're too young to worry, which delays diagnosis and treatment.
Who's At The Greatest Risk?
Certain risk factors significantly increase your chances of a heart attack, according to the WHO and ICMR:
Unhealthy Lifestyle: Smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet, and chronic stress are major contributors in India.
Existing Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity all raise the risk.
Family History: If close relatives had early heart disease, your genetic risk is higher.
Ethnicity: South Asians, including Indians, are more genetically predisposed (Nature, 2020).
What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?
If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, take action immediately:
A heart attack doesn't always shout, it often whispers. In India, where heart disease is claiming younger lives than ever, learning to spot subtle red flags like chest discomfort, fatigue, or breathlessness could save your life.
About the Author
Surbhi Pathak
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
heart attacks
view comments
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 20, 2025, 09:26 IST
News lifestyle Is Your Body Begging For Help? Hidden Signs To Spot A Heart Attack
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
40 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Brain tumours: when a headache, memory lapse, or seizure deserves a second look
Every year, over 40,000 individuals in India are diagnosed with brain tumours, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Yet, in many cases, the diagnosis comes too late. The early warning signs—often subtle, fleeting, or mistaken for everyday stress—are overlooked until symptoms become severe. Following the observance of World Brain Day on July 22 , it is vital to recognise that timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary care can make a significant difference in not only survival, but also in long-term recovery and quality of life for patients and their families. When the body whispers Brain tumours are complex. They vary in type, location, and behaviour—and so do their symptoms. In clinical practice, I often see patients who, in hindsight, experienced signs long before their diagnosis. These early symptoms are frequently dismissed as benign issues: a tension headache, forgetfulness, vision strain, or clumsiness. Common symptoms of brain tumours include: Persistent or worsening headaches Memory lapses or personality changes Difficulty in speaking or finding words Blurred or double vision New-onset seizures Trouble with balance or coordination It is important to understand that many of these symptoms—particularly headaches, giddiness, or occasional forgetfulness—are very common and more often than not due to benign conditions like migraines, tension headaches, or positional vertigo. Not every headache warrants a brain scan. However, when these symptoms are unusual in pattern, progressively worsening, or accompanied by other neurological signs, a medical evaluation is essential. The key challenge is that these symptoms can appear mild or sporadic, leading to delays in seeking medical attention. But when the brain is affected—even subtly—it often tries to signal distress. We need to listen more closely. Children are not immune One of the most overlooked realities is that brain tumours affect children too. Among paediatric populations, tumours in the cerebellum—such as medulloblastoma—are relatively common. The signs, however, may not always be easy to spot. In children, red flags include: Headaches, especially in the morning Repeated vomiting without a clear cause Unsteady gait or difficulty walking Clumsiness or frequent falls Unlike adults, children may not articulate their discomfort clearly. A parent's intuition, in such cases, becomes crucial. Prompt neurological evaluation can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, which significantly improves outcomes. With timely surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and structured rehabilitation, many children not only survive but go on to live full, healthy adult lives. The ripple effects of a brain tumour The impact of a brain tumour extends far beyond the individual. It disrupts family dynamics, imposes financial burdens, and creates emotional strain for caregivers. It can affect workplace productivity and community engagement. That is why recovery must be viewed not just through a medical lens but a social one. When treated early, many patients return to school, work, and community life. The difference lies in how quickly the tumour is recognised and how comprehensively it is managed. The power of modern tools and teamwork Neuro-oncology teams use a suite of advanced tools designed to enhance precision and safety: neuronavigation systems function like GPS during surgery, guiding the surgeon with remarkable accuracy. High-resolution operating microscopes allow us to see deep brain structures clearly. Awake craniotomy enables patients to stay awake during surgery to protect speech and movement centres. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring helps preserve critical brain functions during complex procedures. Comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation ensures that recovery continues well beyond the operating room. These innovations help us safely access delicate regions of the brain while preserving the patient's independence and cognitive function. A realistic, hopeful outlook While early detection improves prognosis, it is important to acknowledge that not all brain tumours behave predictably. Some aggressive tumours may resist treatment even when diagnosed early. Others may lie dormant and symptom-free for extended periods. That said, the opportunity for meaningful intervention exists at nearly every stage. Whether through surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation, or supportive therapies, modern neuro-oncology offers real hope—particularly when treatment is tailored to the individual. Brain tumours don't always present dramatically. They may arrive disguised as a persistent headache, an uncharacteristic lapse in memory, or a subtle speech difficulty. In children, they may be hidden behind a morning vomit or a minor fall. These are not signs to ignore. This World Brain Day, let us renew our commitment to awareness and early action. By paying attention to the whispers, we can catch the signs sooner, act faster, and improve the lives of those affected. Because sometimes, listening to the smallest signals leads to the biggest differences. (Dr. Komal Prasad C. is a senior consultant – neurosurgery, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. drkomalprasad@
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Persons with history of diabetes, high BP can be deceased donors: Expert group
NEW DELHI: Can organs, say a kidney or the liver, retrieved from a deceased donor with a history of diabetes or hypertension be used for transplantation? In a first of its kind factual assessment and report, the Indian Society for Organ Transplantation (ISOT) has said the benefits far outweigh the risks involved and, therefore, such donations should be considered subject to the viability of the organ. According to the ISOT, while Indian data are lacking, international registries report hypertension in 15-20% and diabetes in 2-8% deceased donors. 'Evidence from the US Renal Data System (USRDS) and the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) databases suggests minimally increased risk of primary non-function, acute rejection, or delayed graft function (DGF) and marginally lower graft survival from such donors, particularly in kidney transplantation,' the ISOT statement published in the Lancet Regional – South-east Asia says. It has been co-authored by doctors from 32 top medical institutions in the country, including AIIMS Delhi, Safdarjung hospital, Kokilabnen Dhirubhai Ambani hospital Mumbai, Max Saket and Madras Medical College Chennai among others. Over time, diabetes that isn't well controlled can damage blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood. This can lead to kidney damage and cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause more kidney damage by raising the pressure in the filtering system of the kidneys, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dr Dinesh Khullar, a leading nephrologist and co-author of the ISOT statement, said they have suggested a screening criterion to decide whether kidneys donated from a diabetic deceased donor can be considered or not. 'Outright rejection is wrong. In my view, doctors should carry out individualized risk assessment of the donor organ and recipient profile to reach a conclusion,' he said. Dr Shiv Sarin, director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) also said that organs from deceased donors with a history of diabetes, hypertension or for that matter cancer can be used on a case-to-case basis. 'A liver biopsy should be done to see the extent of fibrosis and fat in liver from a diabetic donor, as one-third may be unfit. Similar caution for hypertensive donors for kidney donation needed. Organ from a donor cured of cancer for more than two years, should be acceptable,' Dr Sarin said. More than two lakh Indians require transplantation annually. Not even 10% get it. This is because organs donated from deceased donors are scarce. That's why, earlier, preference was accorded to younger patients – those below 65 years of age – for receiving the organs. Recently, the govt did away with the age bar. Doctors say the demand for organs has, therefore, gone up further. A living person can donate only for immediate blood relations (brother, sister, parents and children). He or she can donate kidney (as one kidney is capable of maintaining the body functions), a portion of pancreas (as half of the pancreas is adequate for sustaining pancreatic functions) and part of the liver (as the few segments that are donated will regenerate after a period. A brain-dead person, on the other hand, can donate more than 20 organs and tissues including the heart, lungs, liver, kidney, intestines, pancreas, eyes, heart valves, skin, bone marrow, connective tissue, middle ear and blood vessels.
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 28th July 2025
Stampede at Mansa Devi temple is quite shocking It was quite shocking to hear about the stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple on Sunday that claimed six lives and left many injured. Reportedly, electric current at the base of the temple stairs triggered panic among the devotees, causing them to flee in confusion leading to the stampede. Perched atop the Shivalik Hills at a height of over 500 feet, the Mansa Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. Bhagwan Thadani,Mumbai We must draw on Kalam's legacy On this Punya Thithi (July 27) of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, let us honour his legacy by embracing his vision for a united, innovative India. His dedication to education and youth empowerment inspires us to contribute actively to nation-building. Together, we can soar as envisioned by the 'Missile Man of India' and the 'People's President'. T S Karthik,Chennai Hepatitis: Let's break it down On 'World Hepatitis Day' (July 28), let us look at the chilling facts and figures. Approximately 304 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C in 2022. Over 2.2 million new infections occur annually, which averages to 6,000 new cases every day. Tragically, 1.3 million succumb to it every year, which means there are 3,500 deaths per day due to hepatitis-related illness. An estimated 40 million Indians live with chronic hepatitis B, and around 12 million have chronic hepatitis C. Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha report the highest hepatitis cases in India. Left unchecked, hepatitis B and C may soon claim more lives than HIV, TB and malaria. Although hepatitis B vaccination has been a part of India's Universal Immunisation Programme since 2007, the coverage and awareness - especially beyond childhood - remains inadequate. The theme of World Hepatitis Day-2025 is 'Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down', to emphasise the need to dismantle barriers, such as social, financial, and systemic obstacles, that prevent the elimination of hepatitis and the prevention of liver cancer. On this day, let us all organise awareness programs, share on social media and pledge to create a world free from viral hepatitis infections by following protocols. Dr Burra Madhusudhan Reddy,Karimnagar Bravo OU Engg dept whizkids It is delightful to note that the engineering department of Osmania University has successfully devised a self-guiding semiconductor microchip. This bluetooth-operated frequency synthesiser' made under 'chips to start-up' scheme is said to improve the efficiency of internal machines in smart phones, watches and rockets, among others. This is an appreciable achievement as it is the first indigenous semiconductor chip in India. The enormous talent of young scientists in the country must be utilised and promoted adequately. The children should be extolled to idolise scientists and intellectuals and not actors and cricketers. M Chandrasekhar,Kadapa. Kudos to railways for green energy drive Kudos to Indian railways for achieving another milestone. It made history by successfully testing the first (green) hydrogen powered coach/car at the Integrated Coach Factory in Chennai. This makes for a good initiative as there will be no carbon emissions or pollution issues. Moreover, there are several other benefits by its use, including in promoting eco-friendly transport and being economical even as it swells the profits. It would be a wise move if all types of green energy are heavily patronised and not for just fans and lights. P V P Madhu Nivriti,Secunderabad-61 Govt should come clear on Dhankhar exit This is further to your editorial 'Buzz around Dhankhar resignation not good for NDA government'. No matter if Jagdeep Dhankhar's quit as the country's Vice-President citing health reasons but what is surprising is that it sent people into performative overdrive after self-proclaimed defenders took turns to attack him for 'lowering the dignity' while in office. However, the fact is that he was not a rubber stamp nor a mute spectator. Though Dhankhar is arguably the first high-profile exit from a high constitutional office in recent times, what surprised many is the resignation coming on the first day of the monsoon session of the Parliament. Since, we are left with nothing more than conjecture and speculation on the reasons for his exit, the government should clear the air and prevent an unhealthy controversy over its alleged difference with Dhankhar. K R Srinivasan,Secunderabad-3
