A leading cardiologist has warned that a common nighttime symptom affecting many older adults could actually be a sign of an underlying heart condition.
According to Aurelio Rojas, symptoms such as shortness of breath while lying down, nighttime coughing or needing to sleep propped upright should never simply be dismissed as part of ageing.
The condition, known as orthopnea, occurs when a person struggles to breathe properly while lying flat.
People suffering from it often find themselves stacking multiple pillows behind their head or suddenly sitting upright during the night in order to catch their breath.
Rojas explained that the problem is linked to the way blood circulates through the body when lying down.
‘When you lie flat, blood returns more easily to the heart and lungs,’ the cardiologist explained. ‘If the heart cannot manage that extra volume correctly, congestion can occur in the lungs, causing breathlessness.’
The symptom is commonly associated with heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions.
Doctors say orthopnea may also be accompanied by persistent coughing, repeated nighttime awakenings and an inability to sleep comfortably in a horizontal position.
Specialists are urging people to pay attention to warning signs in elderly relatives, particularly if they begin sleeping semi-seated, using far more pillows than usual or waking frequently throughout the night.
Other symptoms that may appear alongside orthopnea include swollen legs, sudden weight gain and excessive fatigue.
Experts stress these symptoms should not automatically be blamed on age, tiredness or poor sleeping posture.
Rojas warned that early medical evaluation is essential if the symptoms appear, as prompt diagnosis can help detect underlying heart problems before they worsen.
Health professionals also warned against self-medicating or ignoring breathing difficulties at night, particularly among older adults or those with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Doctors say recognising these seemingly everyday changes early can significantly improve quality of life and help prevent serious complications later on.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
