Manila, March 30 -- The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) on Monday urged the public, particularly women, to be more vigilant in recognizing the "atypical" symptoms of heart failure, such as the sensation of drowning while lying down, which are often dismissed as mere fatigue or stress.

It is called orthopnea, when there is a need to use three or more pillows while lying down for easier breathing.

In an online forum marking Women's Heart Month, PHA Council on Heart Failure member Dr. Lauren Kay Galindez explained heart failure is distinct from a heart attack.

While a heart attack involves a sudden blockage, heart failure (pumapalyang puso) occurs when the heart cannot pump or relax effectively.

"Sa babae po, 'yung hingal na may kasab...