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Heartburn, feeling sick, or having trouble breathing is often linked to an upset stomach or a tough day. It might be due to eating late, missing breakfast, or simply feeling a bit anxious. However, heart doctors are quietly raising an important concern: these signs could mean something important about your heart.
“When things like a racing mind, feeling sick, or shortness of breath happen, they should always be taken seriously," states Dr. Sunil Dwivedi, a Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, Millers Road, Bengaluru. “Regardless of where the symptoms seem to come from, they often indicate something noteworthy. These signs are often related to the digestive system, but can sometimes be connected to the heart”.

This is why these symptoms can be particularly confusing. Experts say that heart and stomach symptoms can be so similar that they are often mistaken for each other, especially when the symptoms are mild. Many people wrongly believe that heart issues only show up as intense chest pain or sudden collapses. In fact, the signs can be very faint and easily overlooked. “Mild heartburn, feeling sick, and trouble breathing can easily be dismissed as a minor digestive problem or a reaction to stress," explains Dr. Jajati Keshari Padhi, a Senior Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar. “This is especially true when these uncomfortable feelings happen soon after eating or while exercising”.

For some people, particularly older adults, those with diabetes, or individuals with various health issues, heart problems might not show classic symptoms at all. “Heart attacks in these groups often start with something as slight as mild heartburn, or sometimes only nausea. For many older or immunocompromised patients, vomiting can sometimes be the one and only sign," adds Dr. Dwivedi. One symptom that can be especially misleading is breathlessness. It's easy to attribute it to being out of shape, feeling anxious, or even changes in the weather, but in cases of heart disease, it can be a serious warning. “Trouble breathing, often thought to be due to anxiety, can actually point to congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease,” cautions Dr. Padhi. “It may indicate that the heart is struggling to pump blood, which can lead to fluid building up in the lungs”.

So, how can someone tell apart a harmless case of acidity from a possible heart issue? “Even seasoned doctors can find this challenging,” Dr. Dwivedi acknowledges. “However, patients need to realize that these symptoms are not typical. If the discomfort is unusual, if your usual antacids don't help, or if the nausea feels different, don’t hesitate. Get medical attention right away”. Dr. Padhi adds, “Being well-known and glamorous won’t solve anything. Many heart patients do not show any symptoms until the situation becomes serious. At that point, time is a big problem”. Early detection is crucial. Proper tests and assessments can significantly change how treatment and recovery proceed. Although not all heartburn or nausea is related to the heart, ignoring subtle initial signs can be dangerous.

“It's always wise to be cautious. Getting evaluated early can help avoid major heart issues,” Dr. Padhi emphasizes. The message is clear: pay attention to your body. If you experience nausea, unexplained tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or an unusual feeling of pressure that doesn’t go away or gets worse, go directly to a specialized hospital, ideally to the emergency department.