A doctor has issued a caution about the subtle indicators that could signal an impending heart attack.
While the immediate or acute symptoms of a heart attack are widely recognized, there are other signs that are much less apparent.
Common signs of a heart attack include chest pain, intense anxiety, difficulty breathing, or a constricting sensation in the chest.
It is crucial for anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical help promptly, as quick action during a heart attack can be life-saving.
However, there are additional warning signs that might suggest a heart attack is imminent, which are often overlooked.
What are these lesser-known signs?
Dr. Obaidur Rahman used Instagram to issue a warning about these subtle indicators, focusing on one in particular.
According to Dr. Rahman, up to 92 percent of individuals ignore this specific sign.
This sign is known as orthopnea.
For those familiar with medical terminology, the suffix ‘-pnea’ denotes a condition associated with breathing, such as apnea or hypopnea.
Orthopnea is characterized by difficulty breathing when lying down.
Dr. Rahman elaborated on social media: “When the heart weakens, blood backs up into the lungs.
“As soon as you lie flat, gravity no longer aids your breathing, causing you to wake up gasping for air, feeling restless, and drenched in sweat.”
He further stated: “That’s not stress. That’s your body pleading for attention.”
When standing, gravity helps keep blood in the legs, away from the chest area.
Lying down negates this effect, allowing blood to move into the chest region.
For individuals with a healthy heart, this is not a problem, but for those with heart disease, the increased pressure on the heart can be significant.
The doctor noted that lifestyle choices can exacerbate the situation, saying, “And it’s happening to a generation raised on late nights, deadlines, skipped meals, energy drinks, and zero recovery.
“Your heart doesn’t care about your ambition, only your oxygen.”
Dr. Rahman advised that if you have ever found yourself needing to sleep with your head elevated on pillows to breathe more easily, it would be wise to consult a doctor for precautionary measures.