Middle-aged adults urged to differentiate symptoms and seek timely care
Representational Image.
Hyderabad: Many middle-aged individuals are struggling to distinguish whether the discomfort they feel is due to gastric issues or a heart-related problem, says Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Kamineni Hospitals. He notes that the symptoms of both conditions are often very similar, which leads to confusion and negligence, sometimes until the condition becomes severe.
Dr. Deshmukh explains that his hospital frequently sees patients who ignore early warning signs, thinking it’s just a gastric issue. “In recent times, heart problems have been rising, particularly among people aged 40 to 55. Due to lifestyle changes, more people are facing heart-related issues at younger ages,” he said while speaking to the media, Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh was joined by Dr. A. Ravikanth, Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Rishith Bathini, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Dr. Suresh Kumar, Chief Cardiac Anaesthesiologist. Together, they elaborated on the increasing prevalence of heart disease and the importance of early detection, especially in patients who mistake heart symptoms for gastric issues.
“When people experience discomfort in the chest area, nausea, dizziness, or indigestion, they often assume it’s just gastric trouble. However, in cases of angina, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, symptoms like upper abdominal pain, chest burning, and bloating can occur. These are easily mistaken for gastric symptoms. Similarly, conditions like ulcers or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) also produce symptoms that closely resemble heart-related chest pain.”
He advises that individuals, especially those with risk factors like age, diabetes, and high blood pressure, should suspect heart issues when such symptoms arise. “Proper evaluation — including symptom history, ECG, and troponin tests are crucial. A delay in identifying heart problems can put lives at risk. General physicians also need to carefully examine such cases in high-risk patients and educate them on the difference between gastric and heart pain to provide timely treatment that could save lives.”
“Many patients assume it’s a gas issue and go directly to a pharmacy to buy antacids or syrups without medical consultation. This often doesn’t help, and the underlying issue may continue to worsen. By the time they come to a heart specialist, the condition is already critical,” he warns.
He adds that such cases are seen more commonly in men than in women, with around 10 such patients reported every month. One way to differentiate: if the symptoms occur even after eating, it might be heart-related. If it’s truly a gastric issue, the pain typically appears on an empty stomach. Also, if gastric medications don’t relieve symptoms within a month, one should consult a cardiologist immediately.
Heart issues are no longer limited to older people. Due to smoking, alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle factors, even younger individuals are reporting these symptoms. In middle-aged people, high blood pressure and diabetes remain key contributors to this trend.
“With the rising number of heart conditions, we are also seeing sudden cardiac arrests in some patients, which are extremely difficult to manage without immediate action. That’s why every citizen should learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator),” said Dr. A Ravikanth, Consultant Cardiologist.
He emphasized that government efforts are needed to promote CPR training widely and make AED devices available in public places, junctions, and transit hubs. “Only then can we effectively reduce deaths caused by sudden heart attacks,” he stated.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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