Heart problems rarely begin with a bang. They creep in quietly, often misunderstood or brushed aside. Not every warning sign screams for attention. Some are subtle, disguised as everyday fatigue or a bit of breathlessness . But according to Dr Jeremy London, MD, a specialist in cardiology, paying attention to the early signs can mean the difference between prevention and a full-blown emergency.






Here are 3 of the most common and misunderstood red flags that may indicate something serious is going on with the heart. Each of these signs deserves a closer look, because the truth often hides in plain sight.




That ‘not-so-normal’ chest pressure isn't always indigestion



Many associate chest discomfort with indigestion, acidity, or stress. It’s not uncommon to hear, “It’s probably just gas,” especially when the discomfort isn’t sharp or doesn’t come with dramatic symptoms.








Chest pressure or pain—particularly when it feels like a tightness, squeezing, or heaviness in the center or left side of the chest—is one of the most common signs of underlying heart disease. Dr Jeremy London warns that even mild or short-lived pressure should never be ignored, especially if it comes with other symptoms like sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw.





What makes it tricky is that heart-related chest discomfort doesn’t always feel like pain. It might feel like someone sitting on the chest, or an uncomfortable fullness. And it doesn’t have to happen during activity—it can show up at rest or even during sleep.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeremy London, MD (@drjeremylondon)

Breathlessness that feels a bit too dramatic for the situation



Climbing stairs feels harder, or walking the usual distance suddenly demands more breaks. Many might think it's due to ageing, lack of sleep, or being “out of shape.”





Shortness of breath without a clear reason—especially when it worsens during minimal activity or while lying flat—can be a critical sign that the heart isn’t pumping efficiently.








This breathlessness may seem mild at first, but over time, it tends to increase. What stands out is that even regular day-to-day tasks like getting dressed or talking on the phone may begin to feel exhausting.





Here’s a quiet truth: If breathing feels harder than it used to, even without any weight gain or cold, the heart might be asking for help.





A silent decline in stamina that goes unnoticed for weeks



Energy levels drop. The body tires faster than usual. Most chalk it up to work stress, lack of sleep, or growing older.





This subtle decline in activity tolerance—when the same morning walk suddenly becomes too tiring, or when doing chores needs multiple breaks—is a key signal that the heart might be struggling. Dr Jeremy London points out that reduced stamina is often one of the first indicators of heart failure or coronary artery disease.








What makes it dangerous is how easy it is to dismiss. People adapt—taking elevators instead of stairs, sitting down more often, cutting corners on physical tasks—without realising that the body is quietly adjusting to a heart that’s no longer keeping up.





Unlike sudden symptoms, this red flag works slowly, and because it’s subtle, it often remains unnoticed until something more serious happens.