2. Shortness of Breath – Is it Just Lack of Fitness?
Another common early sign of heart disease is dyspnea, more commonly known as shortness of breath. This symptom occurs when your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. It often surfaces during exercise or physical exertion but can also occur when you’re at rest or lying flat.
Shortness of breath can be a frightening experience, often described as an intense tightening in the chest or feeling like you can’t get enough air. It’s a clear signal that your heart might be struggling and needs to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Much like angina, shortness of breath can be mistaken for a less serious condition like general fitness level or even age. It’s not uncommon for people to dismiss it as a normal part of getting older or being out of shape. However, when accompanied by symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, it could be a sign of heart disease.
Regularly experiencing shortness of breath during everyday activities or at rest should never be ignored. It could indicate a serious condition like heart disease or congestive heart failure, both of which require prompt medical attention. (2)
