Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, affecting nearly 17.9 million people each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

‘Heart diseases’ or ‘cardiovascular diseases’ are umbrella terms that encompass a wide variety of diseases like angina, heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmia etc. These problems are often caused by fatty deposits building up inside the arteries. The reason why these clogs cause as issues is because they stop the blood from flowing to and from necessary body parts, depriving them of air as well as nutrients. This can also lead to damage in other vital organs like the brain, the heart itself, the kidneys, and even the eyes.

There are many different types of heart diseases, as well as many symptoms. The most common ones that many people know of are chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, extreme fatigue, etc. However, there are also many subtle signs of heart diseases that you may not know of.

How Many People Know of This Subtle Symptom

It's important to know that the symptoms of heart disease can be different for each person. Because of this variability, some individuals might not even realize that the warning signs they are experiencing could be related to a serious heart condition.

A recent survey conducted by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, involving 500 adults in the UK, found a concerning lack of awareness about certain heart disease symptoms. Specifically, only 46 percent of those surveyed knew that swelling in the legs could be a sign of heart problems.

This lack of knowledge is concerning because if people don't know that leg swelling can be related to their heart, they might not take it seriously or go to the doctor to get it checked out, potentially missing an important early sign of heart trouble.

When the survey asked about well-known signs of heart disease, most people got some of them right. A large majority knew that chest pain, especially if it feels like pressure or squeezing, could be a sign of a heart problem needing immediate attention. Many people also knew that feeling very out of breath and having an irregular heartbeat could be linked to heart issues. These are important symptoms for everyone to be aware of, as they are often key indicators that something might be wrong with the heart.

Lesser Known Symptoms

While many people knew about chest pain and shortness of breath, the survey showed that other important symptoms of heart disease were not as widely recognized. Feeling extremely tired all the time, even when you haven't done much, can be a sign. Also, as mentioned before, swelling in the legs, which happens when fluid builds up, is another symptom that many people don't realize could be related to their heart. Being aware of these less common signs is crucial for early detection.

The fact that many people don't know about all the different ways heart disease can show itself highlights why it's so important to learn about a wide range of potential warning signs. Relying only on the most commonly known symptoms like chest pain might cause people to ignore other important signals their body could be sending them. Recognizing less obvious signs, such as unusual fatigue or swelling in the legs, could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can make a big difference in managing heart conditions and improving health outcomes.

The air quality in Delhi before Delhi has already reached beyond the 200 mark. The threshold is considered as 'poor'. The real-time Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) at 5.30am today was 233. Multiple areas in Delhi already recorded AQI above 300, categorizing it into 'very poor'.

How Is AQI Read?

• 0 to 50 - Good
• 51 to 100 - Satisfactory
• 101 to 200 - Moderately Polluted
• 201 to 300 - Poor
• 301 to 400 - Very Poor
• 401 to 500 - Severe

Anand Vihar recorded 399 at AQI, while Dwarka Sector 8 was at 338, and Mathura Road at 311.

The air quality is already worsening even before Diwali, this poses a risk for anyone who steps out. So, is there any right time to step out?

Dr Vivek Nangia, a Gurugram-based pulmonologist and a member of DocTube says that pollution levels tend to be slightly lower in the afternoon.

PM2.5 air pollution is highest in the morning and lowest in the afternoon. As per a 2023 study by an air filter brand, Delhi's air pollution peaked at 9AM and gradually improved as the day progressed.

On an average, Delhi sees roughly as half as much PM2.5 by 5PM. Similarly, in Kolkata, the pollution peaks at 8am and is lowered by 4PM. In Mumbai, the peak comes at 9am and is improved by 4pm. In the case of Chennai and Hyderabad, the peak comes at 8am with Pm2.5 at the lowest at 3pm or by noon.

"However, it is vital to wear well-fitted masks," says the doctor.

Can You Step Out In The Evening?

Noon is when the sun is at its peak, it heats the ground and causes warm air to rise and mix with the atmosphere. This helps to disperse pollutants. However, at night, the ground cools down and leads to a temperature inversion. This means that air neat ground becomes colder than the air above it, trapping pollutants close to the surface.

How Can You Protect Yourself When You Step Out?

Choose the correct mask, experts suggest that we go with N99 and N100 masks, which provide higher filtration. They are more efficient than N95 masks. Dr Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director and HOD, Chest & Respiratory Diseases at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital explains that preferably N95 should be considered as normal surgical masks do not prevent you from getting exposed to smaller pollutants including PM2.5 particles which may directly enter your airways and may diffuse into the blood and affect all organs of body.

If you must step out, choose the afternoon time, as it is when the pollution is at its lowest.

To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses, use lubricating eye drops, stay indoors and keep the windows closed, practice eye hygiene and invest in an air purifier.

For your skin, cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting it with sunscreen. You must include antioxidants in your diet and may consider detoxifying treatments.

Continue to check AQI forecasts near your area and keep a note of it to know when to avoid going out. Unless it is absolutely necessary, only then step out.

You can naturally cleanse your nasal passage and lungs by taking a steam, practicing control coughing, drinking green tea, consuming anti-inflammatory food items, and by consuming honey. You can also try Yoga to improve your breathing and cleanse your lungs.

While your mouth and heart may seem unrelated, medical science shows otherwise. There’s a deeper connection between oral and cardiovascular health than most people realize. Certain dental symptoms can act as early warning signs for heart-related issues. To better understand this link, we spoke with Dr. SS Sibia, Cardiologist and Director at Sibia Medical Centre, Ludhiana.

When people think of heart disease, they typically focus on chest pain, breathlessness, or fatigue. But some of the earliest red flags can appear inside the mouth. Several oral health issues are directly linked to cardiovascular conditions. Research has long shown a connection between gum health and heart disease, and ignoring these subtle clues could lead to serious consequences.

6 Mouth Symptoms That May Be Warning Signs of Heart Disease

Here are six mouth symptoms that might point to an underlying heart condition:

1. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

Inflamed or bleeding gums often indicate gum disease (periodontitis), a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Studies show that the bacteria responsible can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation in blood vessels and contributing to artery blockages—a major factor in heart attacks.

Dr. Sibia explains: “Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. It significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular complications. Persistent gum bleeding is a signal to visit both a dentist and a heart specialist.”

2. Wobbly Teeth or Tooth Loss

Losing teeth, particularly due to advanced gum disease, isn’t only about poor dental hygiene. It often reflects chronic inflammation in the body, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Studies suggest people with fewer teeth due to gum infections are more likely to develop serious heart problems.

3. Persistent Bad Breath

Ongoing bad breath (halitosis) may be more than just a dental concern. It can result from bacteria linked to gum disease, which is strongly connected to heart health. Bad breath may also indicate inflammation or internal infection, both of which place additional strain on the heart if untreated.

4. Mouth Sores or Infections That Don’t Heal

Frequent oral ulcers or infections that take unusually long to heal could point to poor blood circulation or a weakened immune system. These issues are commonly seen in heart patients or people with diabetes, who are already at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

5. Dry Mouth

A dry mouth (xerostomia) may be a side effect of medications for heart disease or high blood pressure. In some cases, it could signal dehydration, diabetes, or reduced blood flow, all of which can strain the heart. Dryness also makes the mouth more vulnerable to infections, indirectly affecting heart health.

6. Jaw Pain

Discomfort in the jaw, especially the lower jaw, can sometimes indicate an impending heart attack, particularly in women. This pain may radiate from the chest or neck and is often mistaken for a dental problem. If jaw pain comes with breathlessness, sweating, or chest tightness, seek medical help immediately.

Dr. Sibia warns: “Heart attacks don’t always start with chest pain. For some, especially women, symptoms like jaw pain or mouth discomfort may be the first signs. Detecting them early can be life-saving.”

Heart Disease: Mouth Symptoms

Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and attention to unusual changes can help detect potential heart issues early.

If you notice any of the signs above, don’t ignore them. Consult both a dentist and a cardiologist to ensure you’re not missing something serious. Timely check-ups, preventive care, and small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.

We all know influenza is a common and sometimes serious viral infection, but it’s worth a reminder as the flu season approaches, typically starting in October. Between October 2024 and May 2025, the United States saw an estimated 47 million to 82 million flu cases, leading to 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations, according to preliminary data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While most flu-related deaths occur in older adults, children can also be affected, with CDC estimates showing 37 to 199 deaths among children each flu season.

Now, a new study published in JAMA has highlighted a rare yet severe complication that can affect children who contract the flu. Known as acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), this condition carries a mortality rate of 27% even with intensive medical care, according to the research.

What Is Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy?

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare but serious brain disorder that can develop after a viral infection, most commonly influenza. It begins with a fever and quickly progresses to severe neurological problems, such as seizures and a reduced level of consciousness. Importantly, the condition is caused by the body’s inflammatory immune response to the virus, rather than the virus directly attacking the brain.

Treatment typically involves supportive care and, in some cases, immunosuppressive therapies, but outcomes are often poor, with high rates of death and long-term brain damage.

Symptoms of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy

ANE usually starts with symptoms of the initial viral infection, such as fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by rapid neurological decline, which may include:

• Seizures
• Confusion, drowsiness, and altered consciousness
• Coma lasting for weeks
• Problems with movement (ataxia)
• Abnormal muscle tone

How Can Flu Lead to Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the flu can trigger ANE through an overactive inflammatory response. In this scenario, the body’s immune system, activated by the virus, ends up damaging brain tissue rather than the virus directly affecting the brain. This process, often called a cytokine storm, leads to rapid swelling, inflammation, and tissue death in areas such as the thalamus, resulting in severe neurological symptoms like seizures and coma. Genetic factors may also make some children more vulnerable.

The researchers collected data from US pediatric hospitals and public health agencies on cases of pediatric ANE treated between October 2023 and May 2025. They analyzed 41 children with influenza-related ANE. The median age was 5, and roughly three-quarters were previously healthy. Among those whose vaccination history was known, only 16% had received the flu vaccine that season.

All of these children became seriously ill, and every patient developed encephalopathy, meaning altered brain function. Sixty-eight percent experienced seizures, and most had abnormal platelet counts, liver enzyme levels, and spinal fluid composition.

The researchers emphasized a few key points:

• ANE is rare but extremely serious, with high risks of long-term illness or death, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
• Most children affected were previously healthy.
• While a few vaccinated children also became ill, most cases and nearly all fatalities occurred in children who were not vaccinated that season.

Why the Flu Vaccine Matters

What is clear from this research is that getting the flu vaccine lowers the chance of catching the virus and of becoming seriously ill. The JAMA study also indicates that vaccination reduces the likelihood of developing ANE and the risk of dying from it. Both the study and an accompanying editorial stress the importance of everyone staying up-to-date with their flu shots.