Cardiovascular specialist Dr. Andrei Kokin points out that cardiovascular diseases often disguise themselves as simple fatigue, stress, or lack of sleep.
According to him, chronic weakness, shortness of breath, and mild dizziness rarely cause alarm, even though they can be early signs of serious problems. These can be subtle signals the body sends to detect illness early. For example, it can indicate problems through chronic weakness, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, heart rhythm disturbances, or even abdominal discomfort. These symptoms may be related to heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or coronary artery disease, and require immediate medical attention.
The doctor points out that fatigue and shortness of breath are among the first signs of declining heart function. Persistent tiredness without a clear cause is one of the most often overlooked symptoms. Difficulty climbing stairs, walking normally, or performing routine household chores may indicate that the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently. A lack of oxygen in the tissues leads to weakness, drowsiness, and a feeling of low energy even after minimal exertion.
Shortness of breath is another important sign. In the early stages, it occurs only during physical activity, but over time, it may even occur at rest. Therefore, pay close attention to nighttime awakenings due to shortness of breath, an inability to lie still, and a cough that worsens when lying down, as these symptoms may indicate heart problems.
According to the doctor, heart disease sometimes disguises itself as stomach problems. Nausea, abdominal discomfort, or heartburn may indicate a heart attack, especially if accompanied by weakness, cold sweats, dizziness, or pain in other parts of the body.
He says: "Other warning signs include swelling of the legs, feet, and ankles. This may be due to fluid retention, which makes it difficult for the heart to maintain normal blood flow. Dizziness, blurred vision, and fainting should also not be ignored, especially if accompanied by a feeling of irregular heartbeat, as these symptoms may indicate a heart rhythm disorder."
The doctor notes that special attention should be paid to chest pain or pressure radiating to the left arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw, as well as sudden and severe weakness, severe shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. These symptoms may indicate life-threatening conditions and require immediate medical evaluation.
In addition, chronic gum disease and other oral conditions may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as dental health plays a crucial role in prevention. Therefore, if concerning symptoms recur or gradually worsen, a cardiologist should be consulted. Timely diagnosis allows for early detection and significantly reduces the risk of serious complications.
