Feeling short of breath while bending down to tie your shoes might seem harmless, but it could be your body’s early warning sign of heart trouble. Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, a heart transplant specialist, explains how a condition called bendopnea could reveal more about your heart’s health than you realise.
Doctors say the heart often sends subtle signals long before a major episode like a heart attack. Understanding these lesser-known symptoms can help in early detection and timely treatment — especially for those who assume fatigue or breathlessness are just signs of ageing or low fitness.
What is bendopnea?
Have you ever bent down to tie your shoes and suddenly felt short of breath?
Not age.
Not weight.
Not being out of shape.
This has a name — bendopnea.
Also Read:London-based heart surgeon lists 5 daily habits to help you live longer, and it's not just exercise and diet
When you bend forward, more blood flows back to the heart. If the pressure inside your heart is already high, the organ cannot manage the extra volume, causing breathlessness within seconds. The discomfort usually eases once you sit upright again.
He said that this can be an early sign of heart failure or fluid overload. Your body is sending a signal — not making a mistake.
Unexpected weight gain – Sudden increases could mean fluid buildup.
Chronic cough or wheezing – If it’s worse when you lie down, it could be more than just a cold.
Nausea or loss of appetite – Feeling full or queasy for no reason might be linked to your heart.
Confusion or memory issues – Difficulty focusing or remembering things can also be heart-related.
Difficulty sleeping – Restless nights or waking up short of breath may signal heart trouble.
Listen to your body’s warnings
Dr. Yaranov wrote, “Are you missing these hidden signs of heart failure? Advice from your heart failure cardiologist: Think you know all the signs of heart failure? Think again!”
He added a simple but powerful reminder: “Early detection is crucial. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.”
If you notice uneasiness while tying your shoes, or frequent breathlessness when bending, it might not be about age or stamina, your body could be warning you.
Bring it up. Get checked. It matters.
Doctors say the heart often sends subtle signals long before a major episode like a heart attack. Understanding these lesser-known symptoms can help in early detection and timely treatment — especially for those who assume fatigue or breathlessness are just signs of ageing or low fitness.
What is bendopnea?
Have you ever bent down to tie your shoes and suddenly felt short of breath?Not age.
Not weight.
Not being out of shape.
This has a name — bendopnea.
Also Read:London-based heart surgeon lists 5 daily habits to help you live longer, and it's not just exercise and diet
When you bend forward, more blood flows back to the heart. If the pressure inside your heart is already high, the organ cannot manage the extra volume, causing breathlessness within seconds. The discomfort usually eases once you sit upright again.
He said that this can be an early sign of heart failure or fluid overload. Your body is sending a signal — not making a mistake.
Heart Attack: The hidden signs you might be missing
In another Instagram post, cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov highlighted that heart issues don’t always show obvious symptoms like chest pain or extreme fatigue. He listed five surprising indicators that often go unnoticed but may point to heart failure:Unexpected weight gain – Sudden increases could mean fluid buildup.
Chronic cough or wheezing – If it’s worse when you lie down, it could be more than just a cold.
Nausea or loss of appetite – Feeling full or queasy for no reason might be linked to your heart.
Confusion or memory issues – Difficulty focusing or remembering things can also be heart-related.
Difficulty sleeping – Restless nights or waking up short of breath may signal heart trouble.
Listen to your body’s warnings
Dr. Yaranov wrote, “Are you missing these hidden signs of heart failure? Advice from your heart failure cardiologist: Think you know all the signs of heart failure? Think again!”
He added a simple but powerful reminder: “Early detection is crucial. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.”
If you notice uneasiness while tying your shoes, or frequent breathlessness when bending, it might not be about age or stamina, your body could be warning you.
Bring it up. Get checked. It matters.




