The heart is a muscle, the one responsible for pumping blood around the body. Heart failure occurs when the heart becomes too weak to pump blood properly. If this goes untreated, it could lead to death.
Heart failure symptoms are serious and should never be ignored. Keep reading to find all you need to know about heart failure, its symptoms, the proper medical care needed, and more.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is one of the common symptoms of heart failure. This symptom may start suddenly and severely. It may also come on gradually over time.
During this time, you may experience breathlessness while doing activities you have previously done with ease, such as climbing stairs. With heart failure, your heart is not able to pump blood effectively. This means it can accumulate in the lungs and make breathing more difficult.
You may also experience chest tightness or chest pain. Your breaths may be shallow, and you may have to set aside extra time to complete activities. It is important to seek medical treatment if you feel any of these symptoms, as they may be indicative of a serious medical condition.
Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue is one of the earliest indicators of heart failure, often beginning months before hospitalization. As heart failure progresses and the heart is unable to sufficiently pump enough blood and oxygen to the body, fatigue increases. Fatigue with heart failure typically has a slow onset, notable for not being relieved by rest.
Weakness is also a common symptom of heart failure. This manifests itself as shortness of breath, reduced ability to exercise, and fatigue. In more serious cases, weakness can range from being unable to do light physical activities to extreme difficulty performing basic daily activities.
It is important to speak to your doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis if you experience symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue and weakness.
Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, and Feet
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet is one of the classic symptoms of heart failure. This is because the heart’s inability to properly pump blood results in the blood pooling in the extremities. This causes fluid to build up and cause swelling.
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
A rapid or irregular heartbeat can be a symptom of heart failure and can be caused by many different things. It can manifest itself in different forms. Like palpitation, fluttering, or pounding feeling in the chest, or an arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat that can be very fast or very slow.
A rapid or irregular heartbeat can also be a sign of inadequate blood flow and a decrease in the amount of oxygen being pumped throughout the body. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention and take steps to identify any underlying causes of heart failure.
Reduced Ability to Exercise
Those with heart failure may start to experience reduced exercise performance, fatigue, and shortness of breath while engaging in physical activities. These symptoms can worsen over time, making it increasingly difficult to exercise. Other signs and symptoms may arise, such as increased heart rate, chest pain, swelling of the legs, and coughing.
If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to contact a healthcare provider in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition. So make sure you have a list of heart failure clinics nearby. Proper assessment and treatment can help improve symptoms related to heart failure and reduce the risk of further complications.
Wheezing
One of the most common symptoms of heart failure is a wheezing sound when breathing due to fluids building up in the lungs. While this is more common in congestive heart failure, it can occur in any form of heart failure. When the lungs become congested, patients may experience difficulty breathing and audible wheezing.
Cough That Doesn’t Go Away
Heart failure can present itself with many different symptoms, including a persistent cough that doesn’t go away. This type of cough is known as a “cardiac cough” and maybe a sign of fluid buildup in the lungs due to congestive heart failure. Also, people experiencing heart failure often find themselves coughing up white or pink, foamy mucus.
Swelling of the Belly Area
This symptom is generally caused by a buildup of fluids in the abdomen (ascites), which is a common complication of heart failure. Swelling of the belly area may begin as an uncomfortable feeling or an increase in the size of one’s waistline. As the swelling progresses, one may notice a distention of the abdomen, along with bloating and constipation.
In severe cases, the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing. This type of symptom should not be taken lightly, and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
Rapid Weight Gain
Rapid weight gain is a potential symptom of heart failure, which occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body. It is one of the earliest signs of heart failure and is typically accompanied by a number of other symptoms, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. Rapid weight gain is caused by fluid buildup in the body as a result of the heart not being able to pump blood effectively.
Nausea and Lack of Appetite
Nausea and lack of appetite are some of the symptoms of heart failure. Nausea may result due to a lack of oxygen in the body caused by reduced blood flow, among other things. People suffering from heart failure may experience a feeling of fullness after just a few bites of food and may feel too weak to eat.
They may also feel sick and have a poor appetite as a result. In some cases, significant weight loss is seen as the body not receiving enough oxygen and nutrition for proper metabolism.
Seek Medical Care if You Experience These Symptoms
Heart failure is a serious condition that should always be taken seriously. It is important to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your doctor.
Knowledge of common symptoms and regular medical check-ups are key to preventing heart failure and keeping yourself healthy. Get in touch with your doctor to learn more about symptoms and the right medical care.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blogs for more!
