Health and Me

Ishita Roy

This Overlooked Heart Symptom Could Catch You Off Guard, According To Doctor

A <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/heart-attack">heart attack</a></span> 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. 

Dr 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.

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.

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. 

<h2>What medical conditions could trigger orthopnea?</h2>

<ul><li>Congestive <span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/heart-failure">heart failure</a></span></li><li>Pulmonary hypertension</li><li>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Pulmonary edema</li><li>Severe pneumonia</li><li>Diaphragm paralysis</li></ul>

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.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Heart Attack

heart health

health and wellness

heart failure

dont ignore this symptom of heart attack

dont ignore this heart attack symptom

meet-vaxira-the-cuban-vaccine-against-deadly-lung-cancer

Meet Vaxira: The Cuban Vaccine Against Deadly Lung Cancer

space-grown-stem-cells-how-are-expedition-74-astronauts-helping-to-fight-cancer

Space Grown Stem Cells: How Are Expedition 74 Astronauts Helping To Fight Cancer?

nfhs-6-why-is-india-seeing-a-surge-in-obesity-hypertension-and-diabetes

NFHS-6: Why Is India Seeing A Surge In Obesity, Hypertension And Diabetes?

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

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.