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Ignoring these 7 early symptoms of heart failure can be fatal: Cardiologist urges to watch for quiet signs before it’s too late
ET Online | September 13, 2025 1:00 AM CST

Synopsis

Heart failure often begins with subtle symptoms that many overlook, warns Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, known as @heart_transplant_doc on Instagram. He explains that extreme fatigue, bloating, unexplained weight gain, and shortness of breath are early warning signs frequently dismissed as minor issues. Dr. Yaranov urges people to “trust the quiet signs” and seek medical advice early, as catching heart failure before it worsens can save lives and prevent irreversible damage.

Cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, known as @heart_transplant_doc, warns that heart failure often begins with subtle symptoms many dismiss as stress or diet issues. In an Instagram post, he noted that two-thirds of his patients ignored early signs (Image: iStock)
When it comes to heart health, some warning signs are so subtle that many dismiss them as everyday fatigue or bloating. Cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, popularly known as @heart_transplant_doc on Instagram, is raising alarms about how easily early symptoms of heart failure are overlooked. In a recent post, he revealed that two-thirds of his patients initially ignored symptoms that were actually the first signs of a failing heart.

“It’s Not Always Chest Pain”

In his post, Dr. Yaranov shared the common phrases he hears daily from patients: “I was just tired all the time,” “I thought it was something I ate,” and “I didn’t think heart failure could feel like this.” He stressed that heart failure doesn’t always announce itself with dramatic symptoms like chest pain or collapse. For many, it creeps in silently.

According to Dr. Yaranov, early signs include:


  • Extreme fatigue that caffeine or rest cannot fix
  • Persistent bloating without large meals
  • Tightness around the stomach area
  • Feeling full quickly or skipping meals, yet still gaining weight
  • Frequent naps just to get through the day
  • Subtle, constant shortness of breath
  • Unexplained weight gain
“These are not symptoms you should brush off as normal,” he warns in his post shared on Instagram.

The Quiet Onset of Heart Failure

Heart failure often conjures images of sudden medical emergencies, but Dr. Yaranov points out that it frequently starts quietly—especially in younger or more active individuals. The early stages can be deceptive, making it easier for people to attribute symptoms to stress, diet, or lifestyle changes rather than a developing heart condition.

He urges people to “trust the quiet signs” and get checked early. By recognizing the body’s subtle signals, patients can seek treatment before their condition worsens.

Why Awareness Matters?

Heart failure is a progressive condition where the heart’s ability to pump blood weakens over time. While it’s often associated with older adults, younger people are increasingly affected. Ignoring early symptoms not only delays treatment but can also lead to irreversible damage.

Dr. Yaranov’s advice is supported by his experience as the medical director for Advanced Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, and Mechanical Circulatory Support at Baptist Memorial. His expertise underscores the importance of listening to what your body is trying to tell you.

When in Doubt, Check It Out

Dr. Yaranov concludes his post with a powerful message: “No chest pain. No dramatic collapse. Just a body quietly struggling—until it can’t anymore.” He asks followers to reflect, “Have you felt any of these? Be honest. Have you checked your heart lately?”

His message is a reminder that proactive care and early detection can make a life-saving difference. Experts agree that listening to your body’s early warning signs and consulting a healthcare professional can be the key to preventing severe heart complications.

For those who are experiencing unexplained fatigue, bloating, or shortness of breath, heart failure may not be the first thing that comes to mind—but as Dr. Yaranov’s experience shows, it could very well be the beginning of something far more serious. Don’t wait for dramatic symptoms to seek help. Your heart may be trying to tell you something now.

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