Dr. Obaidur Rahman recently shared a vital warning about a subtle but significant symptom that often appears days before a heart attack: orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying flat. According to his Instagram post, up to 92% of people ignore this sign, mistakenly attributing it to stress or acid reflux, but it is actually a red flag for heart problems.
Orthopnea occurs because when a weakened heart causes blood to pool in the lungs, lying down allows gravity to stop aiding breathing. This leads to nighttime breathlessness, restlessness, and sweating—signals that the heart is struggling. Dr. Rahman urged those who experience needing to sleep propped up on pillows for easier breathing to seek medical evaluation promptly.
Most people recognize acute heart attack symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, but orthopnea’s subtle warning often goes unnoticed. Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent life-threatening events.
Lifestyle factors such as chaos, stress, and missed self-care worsen heart strain, making it vital to listen to the body’s earliest cries for help. This insight could save lives by prompting earlier medical attention.
