Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Jun 9: When heart disease is discussed, most people think of chest pain as the first warning sign. However, chest discomfort often comes much later. The real early sign, which is commonly missed, is extreme and persistent fatigue.

This is not the usual tiredness after a long day. It is the kind of exhaustion that leaves you drained even after waking up and makes simple activities like walking or climbing stairs feel exhausting. This happens when the heart, struggling due to conditions like blocked arteries or heart failure, fails to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. Muscles and organs begin to tire easily as they do not receive the energy they need.

This kind of fatigue is caused by reduced blood flow, poor oxygen supply, extra strain on the heart, and fluid buildup in the lungs. It silently affects daily life but is often misunderstood or ignored. People tend to link such fatigue to stress, lack of sleep, overwork or age. Because there is no pain or urgency, they delay seeking medical help.

The fatigue related to heart disease does not go away with rest. It lasts for weeks or months, reduces the ability to do daily tasks, and may be accompanied by breathlessness, swelling in the legs or dizziness. Unlike chest pain, which usually signals more advanced disease, fatigue can begin much earlier and may be the only sign in some people.

Chest pain or angina usually appears when the heart muscle is seriously deprived of oxygen. In many cases, especially among women, elderly individuals, and people with diabetes, typical chest pain may never occur, even during a heart attack. This makes early signs like fatigue even more important to recognise.

Constant tiredness that feels unusual and limits daily activities should never be ignored. Consulting a doctor, undergoing heart health tests, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can make a big difference. Paying attention to such early signs can prevent future complications and possibly save a life.