A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart is blocked. It deprives the heart of oxygen and thus causes severe damage. While many people believe that a heart attack comes all of a sudden, and one of the most common and heard of symptom is a dramatic chest pain, doctors emphasize that warning signs may be subtle and have been there from a long time. Many times, the warning signs exist, but we ignore it, because we do not know that it could be related to heart diseases. Awareness of these early indicators could be life-saving. A Delhi-based physician Dr Obaidur Rahman, helps us identify one such symptom of heart attack that you would otherwise miss. Orthopnoea: A Subtle SignDr Rahman is a physician at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and says that the signs of heart attack could arrive days in advance, including orthopnoea. It is a condition where a person experiences difficulty breathing while lying flat. “The problem is that 92 per cent of people ignore them,” he says. Dr. Rahman’s Instagram post on the topic has gained widespread attention, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this subtle, potentially life-saving symptom.What is Orthopnea?Orthopnea is breathlessness that occurs when lying on your back, but improves when sitting or standing up. It can appear randomly or worsen gradually over time. Experts stress that orthopnea is often a sign of a more serious underlying condition, making it essential to consult a healthcare provider if you experience breathing difficulties.According to Dr. Rahman, orthopnea typically happens because the heart is struggling. “When the heart weakens, blood backs up into the lungs,” he explains. “The moment you lie flat, gravity no longer helps, and you wake up feeling suffocated, restless, and drenched in sweat.” People experiencing orthopnea may need to sleep with multiple pillows or even sit upright on a couch or chair to breathe comfortably.What Causes Orthopnea?Doctors have seen cases of orthopnea is people who already have an underlying medical condition. Such a condition could lead to fluid accumulation around the lungs or make it difficult for the lungs to expand. When lying flat, blood usually naturally redistributed from legs to the lungs, which increases pressure. If you have a healthy heart, it can pump this extra blood efficiently, however, a weak heart cannot, and thus it makes breathing difficult. What medical conditions could trigger orthopnea?Congestive heart failurePulmonary hypertensionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)ObesityPulmonary edemaSevere pneumoniaDiaphragm paralysis View this post on Instagram A post shared by Obaidur Rahman (@drobaid_rahman)]]>Why early recognition matters?Recognizing orthopnea early can be crucial in preventing a full-blown heart attack. While it may seem minor compared to chest pain or extreme fatigue, this symptom signals that the heart is under stress and may need urgent attention. Dr. Rahman also emphasizes that individuals should not ignore recurring breathlessness when lying flat, as early medical intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.
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