Cardiologist shares 5 early warning signs of heart blockage: Cold hands, fatigue, breathlessness and more

Know about five early signs of heart blockage, such as feeling tired and short of breath. Also, find out how to take steps to keep your heart healthy.

Heart blockages tend to develop very quietly, and the symptoms are usually mild. They can easily be mistaken for tiredness, winter fatigue, or normal ageing. Such subtle signs may indicate that the heart is not receiving enough blood because some arteries have narrowed. If left untreated, this could lead to angina, heart attacks, and sudden cardiac events. Recognising early signs and seeking timely medical care are essential to prevent long-term damage.

A doctor explains the telltale signs of heart blockage that could save your life. (Freepik)

By Tavishi Dogra

Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust.

Career journey and experience
Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon.

From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?”

Subject expertise
With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions.

In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.

Education and professional background
Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.

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What are heart blockage symptoms?

When cholesterol deposits narrow the coronary arteries, the heart struggles to pump blood appropriately. "The body receives less oxygen as a result, and this may trigger symptoms that do not always appear to be related to the heart. The early possible signs include persistent fatigue, breathlessness, chest tightness, and dizziness," Dr Sandeep Thakkar, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Patiala, tells Health Shots. These symptoms often worsen with exertion because the heart cannot meet the increased oxygen demand.

5 early warning signs you shouldn't ignore

Dr Sandeep Thakkar explains the key warning signs for heart blockages:

1. Difficulty breathing on minor exertion: Shortness of breath while climbing a few stairs or walking short distances may point towards reduced blood supply.
2. Chest discomfort or tightness: Heaviness, pressure, or squeezing in the chest, often during activities like climbing stairs or brisk walking, is a significant warning sign of reduced blood flow.
3. External fatigue or tiredness: A feeling of exhaustion may indicate that the heart is working harder through narrowed arteries.
4. Dizziness or lightheadedness: Poor cerebral circulation may present as recurrent episodes of dizziness, which are often attributed to dehydration or fatigue.
5. Chest burning: Chest burning, especially on exertion, may also indicate heart disease rather than a simple acidity-related issue.

How can I make my heart stronger?

To make your heart strong, consider incorporating the following practices into your routine:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet that's full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein foods
• Stay active through regular walking, yoga, or moderate exercise
• Avoid smoking, which is a major cause of arterial damage; similarly, avoid stress.
• Monitor your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose, and weight.

If symptoms persist, don’t ignore them or dismiss them as routine tiredness. "Staying alert to these early signs and making timely lifestyle changes can lower the risk of future heart complications", says the cardiologist. Heart blockages may start silently, but early awareness can protect your heart in the long run.

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)