- Cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj warns that symptoms such as brain fog, poor focus, or forgetfulness could indicate early heart disease, as reduced blood flow affects the brain’s oxygen supply.
- A growing body of research, including a 2024 journal study, links cardiovascular dysfunction to cognitive decline, showing that even mild heart issues can impair memory and concentration.
- Doctors advise the public not to ignore changes in thinking or memory, as these may reflect underlying cardiovascular problems rather than just neurological or mental fatigue.
Difficulties in concentration, forgetfulness, or what many call brain fog are often dismissed as purely neurological issues. However, these symptoms might actually serve as early warning signs of heart disease that often go unnoticed.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj explained that not all cardiac problems present with the classic symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath. In some cases, heart-related issues quietly manifest through subtle cognitive disturbances.
“I’ve seen patients come in complaining about memory problems without realizing the root cause was an undiagnosed cardiovascular condition,” said Dr. Bhojraj. “After over 20 years as a conventional cardiologist, I now practice integrative medicine with a focus on longevity. Increasingly, research supports that brain health is closely tied to heart health,” he told Hindustan Times on Thursday (Jan. 22, 2026).
He then shared the case of a 58-year-old male executive who sought medical advice after noticing frequent lapses in recalling names during meetings. “There was no chest pain, no shortness of breath—just brain fog,” Dr. Bhojraj said.
Further laboratory tests revealed the patient’s vascular markers were outside the normal range, indicating impaired blood circulation. This reduction in blood flow limited oxygen supply to the brain, which in turn affected cognitive performance.
“We were able to identify the issue early, before more serious signs of heart disease appeared,” he explained.
Dr. Bhojraj noted his experience is supported by scientific evidence. He referred to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, which found that even mild cardiovascular dysfunction can decrease brain perfusion, affecting memory, focus, and cognitive ability.
The doctor urged the public not to overlook signs such as difficulty thinking clearly or memory loss. “Brain fog should not immediately be seen only as a neurological problem—it could also indicate early heart trouble,” he warned.
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