Don’t Ignore Breathlessness: Cardiologist Explains Possible Heart Warning Signs
Cardiologist explains when breathlessness may indicate health concerns.
Persistent breathlessness during routine activities should not always be dismissed as a sign of poor fitness or low stamina, according to cardiologists who warn that unexplained shortness of breath may sometimes indicate an underlying heart condition. Experts say symptoms that continue over time or begin affecting daily activities require medical evaluation, as certain heart problems can develop gradually without obvious warning signs.
Dr Parin Sangoi, consultant interventional cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said many younger patients delay seeking medical advice because they assume breathlessness is related to a lack of exercise or reduced stamina. However, in some cases, the symptom may be linked to a heart condition that has been progressing silently for months.
Dr Sangoi explained that heart valve disorders can gradually reduce the heart’s ability to function efficiently. One such condition is mitral valve regurgitation, in which the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward with each heartbeat. Over time, this extra workload can place stress on the heart and may increase the risk of complications, including heart failure, if left untreated.
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The cardiologist highlighted a case involving a 20-year-old woman who initially believed her worsening breathlessness was due to poor fitness. As her symptoms increased and routine activities became more difficult, further medical evaluation revealed severe mitral valve regurgitation. She later underwent minimally invasive valve surgery, recovered well, and gradually returned to her normal activities.
Experts note that breathlessness can have several possible causes, including asthma, anaemia, and other medical conditions, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored. Dr Sangoi advised people to avoid self-diagnosing and to seek medical attention when shortness of breath continues, worsens, or interferes with everyday life.
Dr Parin Sangoi has more than 10 years of experience in cardiology and specialises in areas including structural heart disease interventions, chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions, peripheral interventions, coronary and peripheral angiograms, cardiac catheterisation, and complex angioplasty procedures. His advice highlights the importance of early evaluation in identifying and managing heart conditions before they become more serious.
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