Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Many middle-aged individuals struggle to distinguish between gastric discomfort and heart-related symptoms, warns Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Kamineni Hospitals. He notes that chest pain, indigestion, nausea, or dizziness are often mistaken for gas, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.

‘Heart problems are increasingly affecting people aged 40 to 55 due to lifestyle changes,’ says Dr. Deshmukh. ‘We frequently see patients who think it's just acidity but are actually having cardiac issues.’ Joined by Dr. A Ravikanth (Cardiologist), Dr. Rishith Bathini (Cardiothoracic Surgeon), and Dr. Suresh Kumar (Cardiac Anaesthesiologist), Dr. Deshmukh highlighted the need for awareness, especially when symptoms persist despite taking antacids.

Angina, ulcers, and GERD can cause chest burning, bloating, or upper abdominal pain — symptoms that mimic each other. However, if discomfort occurs even after eating or doesn't improve with gastric medications within a month, it could indicate a heart issue.

Those with risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or age over 40 should seek prompt medical evaluation, including ECG and blood tests. ‘Many patients self-medicate, and by the time they reach us, the condition is critical,’ he adds.

Dr. Ravikanth stressed the importance of CPR training and widespread availability of AED devices to manage sudden cardiac arrests. ‘Public education and government support are essential to save lives,’ he said. Early detection and proper awareness can be the difference between life and death.