The main cause of death globally is still heart disease. Heart attacks may occur suddenly without any warning signs. However, in the film industry, intense chest pain would be portrayed for a heart attack. In actuality, many patients have slight symptoms that go unnoticed until the time of their heart attack days or even weeks prior to that.

Heart attacks do not always announce themselves with dramatic chest pain. Often, they manifest in subtle, easy-to-dismiss ways. Recognizing these overlooked warning signs and taking proactive steps toward cardiovascular health can save lives. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, seeking immediate medical care is crucial. Prioritizing heart health today can help prevent life-threatening complications in the future.

Warning Sings of A Heart Attack

1. Discomfort Pressure in the Chest

One of the earliest and most common warning signs of an impending heart attack is pressure, tightness, or fullness in the chest. This pain is not typically sharp and sudden, like most people associate with a heart attack, but it can be intermittent, coming in waves, and lasting for several minutes before fading away. According to the American Heart Association, this is one of the red flags when accompanied by exertion. If you have persistent chest pressure, you should call emergency services immediately.

2. Pain Radiating to Other Parts of the Body

The well-known symptom of chest pain can also manifest discomfort related to a heart attack as pain radiating to other parts of the body. It is not unusual for people experiencing this kind of heart attack to report feeling pain in the shoulders, arms, back, neck, and even jaw. The vagus nerve is one that connects the heart to the brain, abdomen, and neck. The pain may be referred to these regions. In case you experience a sudden, unexplained pain in these regions, especially when exercising, seek a doctor's opinion.

3. Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Feeling dizziness upon standing up quickly or missing a meal is common, but unexplained dizziness often with chest pain or shortness of breath is the first sign of heart attack. Sudden hypotension can seriously decrease the blood supply to the brain and cause dizziness. Dizziness that does not go away on its own should not be ignored.

4. Unexplained Fatigue

It often happens that excessive tiredness, particularly in a busy lifestyle, is considered trivial, but ongoing fatigue, mostly in women, is a predictor of heart failure. According to some studies, extreme fatigue often starts a month before a heart attack, primarily in women. This is simply because the heart cannot pump well enough, leaving insufficient oxygen available to muscles and organs. Consult a healthcare professional if you become increasingly tired over time, yet are getting all the rest in the world.

5. Nausea, Indigestion, or Stomach Pain

Digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, or indigestion are often mistaken for acid reflux or food poisoning. However, these symptoms can also indicate reduced blood flow to the digestive tract, a common precursor to heart attacks. If you experience gastrointestinal distress alongside other symptoms like dizziness or chest discomfort, it's important to seek medical advice immediately.

6. Cold Sweats and Excessive Perspiration

Without apparent reason, a heart attack might be signaled by sudden sweating without any exercise or hot weather conditions. The heart's inability to function properly creates the body's "fight or flight" reaction, which means excessive sweating will occur. Be aware of your body and never ignore a cold sweat, particularly if it coincides with other symptoms.

7. Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat

A racing or irregular heartbeat can be a normal reaction to stress or caffeine consumption. However, regular or unprovoked heart palpitations may indicate that the heart is under duress. If the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood, it can start to beat irregularly. If you experience palpitations along with dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, you should see a doctor right away.

8. Shortness of Breath

If suddenly climbing stairs or performing other everyday activities becomes a problem, then there may be a heart issue. Shortness of breath usually occurs with heart conditions because the circulation is not adequate and less oxygen is provided to the lungs. This symptom can occur either with or without chest pain and is an important indicator of the presence of underlying heart disease. If you find yourself experiencing sudden unexplained breathlessness, then seek a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Early detection of these symptoms and early intervention can help avoid a life-threatening heart attack. You should visit a doctor if you feel the following symptoms:

• Symptoms induced by exertion and relieved by rest
• The simultaneous onset of several warning signs, including weakness, dizziness, and nausea
• Personal or family history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or smoking

Preventing Heart Attacks: Proactive Steps for Heart Health

Although heart attacks may come out of nowhere, lifestyle plays an important role in reducing a patient's risk; here are some heart-healthy habits to consider:

Take on a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on consuming whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Try to limit processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars.

Stay Active: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week to strengthen your heart and improve blood circulation.

Smoking. Smoking is probably the single largest risk factor for heart disease. If you are a smoker, quitting can easily be the single best thing you can do to improve your heart health.

Deal with Stress: Chronic stress leads to heart disease. Relaxed people through various relaxation techniques including yoga, meditation, and even deep breathing, have lesser stresses.

Regular health checks Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar on a regular basis. The risk factors' early detection can help avoid serious complications.

From childhood, many girls are taught to be agreeable, responsible and perfect in everything they do. They are praised for being obedient, hardworking and emotionally controlled. Over time, this expectation can shape behavior in ways that may quietly harm mental and physical health.

This pattern is often referred to as “Good Girl Syndrome”. While it is not a formal medical diagnosis, doctors say the effects of constantly trying to live up to expectations can be very real. The pressure to appear composed and capable all the time can lead to emotional suppression, chronic stress and eventually hormonal disturbances.

To understand how this pressure affects the body, NDTV Health spoke with Dr. Y. D. Meherprasad, Senior Consultant in Endocrinology and Preventive Healthcare at MGM Malar Hospital, Chennai, who says he has observed this pattern among many young women in his clinical practice.

The Hidden Stress Behind Perfection

Good Girl Syndrome describes a behavioral pattern where individuals, often women, feel compelled to meet expectations without showing weakness or stress. This can translate into people pleasing behaviour, fear of conflict and difficulty setting boundaries.

Dr. Meherprasad explains that constantly trying to maintain this image can create a persistent stress response in the body.

“Hormonal imbalances are being noticed in young Indian women associated with the Good Girl Syndrome, where women are always trying to meet expectations and are continuously successful, all without showing any signs of stress,” he told NDTV Health.

According to him, the problem arises when emotions are suppressed for long periods. “When women suppress emotions for long periods, the body remains in a state of constant stress response,” he said.

Emerging research in the field of psychoneuroendocrinology suggests that emotional stress can directly influence hormonal regulation in the body.

The Cortisol Connection

At the centre of this process is cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Normally, cortisol rises briefly during stressful situations and then returns to normal levels once the threat passes.

However, when stress becomes constant, cortisol levels can remain elevated for long periods.

Studies have shown that chronic high cortisol can disrupt reproductive hormones. One effect described in research is sometimes called “progesterone steal,” where the body prioritizes producing stress hormones instead of reproductive hormones.

Low progesterone levels can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles, acne and other hormonal symptoms that many young women experience.

Stress, Insulin Resistance And PCOS

Dr. Meherprasad says chronic stress may also contribute to metabolic changes. In some cases, it can mimic or worsen conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

When cortisol levels remain high, the body releases more glucose into the bloodstream to provide energy for a perceived threat. If that energy is not used through physical activity, insulin levels rise to regulate blood sugar.

Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, which is a key factor associated with PCOS. Women may experience abdominal weight gain, irregular ovulation and difficulty managing their weight.

Warning Signs The Body May Be Struggling

The effects of prolonged stress do not appear overnight. They often show up gradually through subtle changes in the body.

Dr. Meherprasad says menstrual irregularities are one of the early warning signs. Some women may experience delayed cycles or even a temporary halt in ovulation.

Sleep disturbances are also common. Many women report difficulty falling asleep because their minds remain constantly active, leading to fatigue the next day.

Other symptoms may include mood swings, persistent anxiety, brain fog and difficulty losing weight despite maintaining a careful diet.

Restoring Balance

Dr. Meherprasad says addressing these hormonal issues requires both medical evaluation and lifestyle changes.

Regular hormone screenings can help detect issues related to thyroid function, insulin levels and reproductive hormones such as LH and FSH. Early treatment is important if conditions such as PCOS or thyroid dysfunction are present.

Equally important is addressing the emotional component of chronic stress.

“Hormonal imbalance is not only physical but also closely linked to emotional health,” said the doctor.

He recommends prioritizing adequate sleep, regular physical activity and practices such as yoga that help calm the body’s stress response. Creating space for emotional expression through journaling or therapy can also help reduce long term stress.

In a culture that often rewards perfection, doctors say it may be time to rethink the idea of the “perfect girl”. Sometimes, protecting one’s health begins with allowing space for imperfection.

Cancer deaths in the United Kingdom have dropped to their lowest recorded levels, according to new data from the charity Cancer Research UK. The figures show that cancer death rates have fallen by 11 per cent in the past decade, reflecting progress in early detection, screening, treatment and prevention.

Researchers estimate that around 247 people in every 100,000 in the UK now die from cancer each year. This is a significant decline from the peak recorded in 1989, when about 355 people per 100,000 died annually from the disease. Overall, that represents a 29 per cent reduction over the past few decades.

Experts say this steady improvement is the result of sustained scientific progress, improved healthcare systems and public health measures that target risk factors such as smoking.

Major Declines In Several Common Cancers

The new data highlights falling death rates across several major cancers. Ovarian cancer deaths have dropped by 19 per cent over the past ten years, up to 2024. Lung cancer deaths have fallen by 22 per cent during the same period, reflecting the long-term impact of reduced smoking rates and better treatment options.

Deaths from stomach cancer have seen one of the most dramatic improvements, dropping by 34 per cent in the past decade. Bowel cancer deaths have decreased by six per cent, while breast cancer deaths have fallen by 14 per cent.

Other cancers have also seen notable declines. Cervical and prostate cancer deaths have both dropped by 11 per cent. Deaths from leukemia are down by nine per cent, while esophageal cancer deaths have fallen by 12 per cent.

Experts say improved diagnosis, new therapies and better awareness are playing a key role in these trends.

Screening And Vaccination Making A Difference

One of the biggest public health successes has been the decline in cervical cancer deaths. Since the 1970s, deaths from cervical cancer have fallen by around 75 per cent in the UK. Health experts attribute much of this progress to the national cervical screening programme run by the NHS.

Screening helps detect abnormal cells early, allowing treatment before cancer develops or spreads.

Another major contributor is the human papillomavirus vaccine, commonly known as the HPV vaccine. The vaccine protects against the virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases. It is routinely offered to schoolchildren in the UK, and since its introduction in 2008, at least 6.5 million young people have received it.

Public health experts believe the vaccine will continue to reduce cervical cancer rates in the coming decades.

Some Cancer Death Rates Still Rising

Despite the overall progress, the data also shows worrying increases in deaths from certain cancers. Gallbladder cancer deaths have risen by 29 per cent, while deaths from eye cancer have increased by 26 per cent.

Liver cancer deaths are up by 14 per cent, and kidney cancer deaths have risen by five per cent. Meanwhile, death rates for thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and melanoma have remained largely unchanged.

Another important trend is that the total number of people dying from cancer continues to rise. This is largely due to population growth and an ageing population, as cancer risk increases with age.

Calls For More Research And Clinical Trials

Experts say the long-term decline in cancer deaths reflects decades of medical research and innovation. However, they stress that continued investment is necessary to sustain progress.

Cancer Research UK researcher Dr Sam Godfrey said the figures show the impact of scientific breakthroughs over many years. He has called on the government to support more clinical trials and ensure that NHS staff have enough time and resources to take part in life saving research.

Public health policies such as smoking bans, along with screening programmes and vaccines, are also credited with helping drive down cancer deaths across the country.

Are you in the habit of catching up on social media or news updates while sitting on the pot? A new study shows you may be "unintentionally" spending extra time and increasing your risk of developing painful hemorrhoids by 46 percent.

The study, published in the open-access journal PLOS One, explained that getting distracted by news or social media can increase pressure on sensitive anal tissues, which leads to hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins around your anus or in your lower rectum.

"Using a smartphone while on the toilet was linked to a 46 percent increased chance of having hemorrhoids. We're still uncovering the many ways smartphones and our modern way of life impact our health,” Trisha Pasricha, from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the US.

“It's possible that how and where we use them -- such as while in the bathroom -- can have unintended consequences," she added.

For the study, the researchers examined data from colonoscopies of 125 adults in America, and conducted an online survey to understand their lifestyle habits and behavior while using the toilet.

Two-thirds of the participants reported using their smartphones while on

the toilet. Compared with those who did not, endoscopists found that they had a 46 percent higher risk of hemorrhoids.

Longer Toilet Time And Mobile Scrolling

More than a third of bathroom smartphone users reported spending more than five minutes there during a single visit -- reading news (54.3 percent), or browsing social media (44.4 percent).

In comparison, just 7.1 percent of non-users reported staying that long.

"Smartphone use may unintentionally extend the time people spend sitting on the toilet. Sitting for longer periods could increase pressure on tissues in the anal region, which may contribute to the development of hemorrhoids,” the researchers said.

Pasricha suggested individuals leave smartphones outside the bathroom to understand the actual time it takes for a bowel movement.

"If it's taking longer, ask yourself why. Was it because having a bowel movement was really so difficult, or was it because my focus was elsewhere?" she said, calling for more studies.

Hemorrhoids: The Symptoms, Risk Factors

Studies estimate that hemorrhoidal disease affects 40% of people all over the world, and it is one of the most common diseases in the anorectal region.

The two types of hemorrhoids are:

• external hemorrhoids -- under the skin around the anus
• internal hemorrhoids -- in the lining of the anus and lower rectum

• bright red rectal bleeding during bowel movements,
• anal itching or irritation, pain or discomfort (especially while sitting),
• swelling or hard, tender lumps around the anus

• straining during bowel movements
• sitting on the toilet for too long
• chronic constipation or diarrhea
• eating low fiber foods
• older age >50
• pregnancy
• lifting heavy objects

• consume 25-35g of fiber daily,
• drink 6-8 glasses of water,
• avoid straining,
• limit toilet time to under five minutes
• do not delay bowel movements,
• maintain hygiene.