Heart failure is a chronic condition defined as the inability of the heart to pump blood sufficiently to fulfill the demands of the body. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped; it means that the heart has a decreased ability to pump. Early recognition of heart failure symptoms is important in order to receive appropriate treatment and an improved quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Heart Failure
Symptoms of heart failure can start as mild and progress to very severe symptoms if left unrecognized, misunderstood, or untreated. Symptoms can be differentiated by the side of the heart that is affected (left, right, or both sides), however, some symptoms are more common.
- Shortness of Breath
This typically presents with exertion,
but can happen even at rest or lying flat. It is due to blood returning to the left atrium of the heart being congested in the lungs because the heart cannot pump the blood forward into the aorta!
- Fatigue and Weakness
A weakened heart pumps less oxygen-rich blood to the working muscles. Thus causing the person to feel tired consistently and unable to exercise or complete activities of daily living. - Swelling (Edema)
Fluid may collect in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen, causing visible swelling. This occurs when the kidneys retain fluid from salt which is where blood flow has been decreased. - Built Up Fluid – Cough or Wheezing
When there is fluid in the lungs, you may present a cough, especially an unyielding cough that is white or pink when coughing up the mucus. - Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
A heart that is attempting to cope with this decreased pumping ability must beat faster or may begin beating irregularly. - Increased Urination at Night
Some persons in heart failure may need urinate more than one time at night, this is called Nocturia. - Difficulty Concentrating or was Confused
A person may begin to notice memory loss or increasing levels of confusion and decrease the ability to focus due to this decrease blood flow to the brain.
- Weight gain
A sudden gain of more than 2-3 pounds in one day, or 5 pounds in one week could indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure. - Loss of appetite or nausea
With advanced heart failure fluid can accumulate in the intestinal tract, and make you feel full-up or discomfort.
When to See a Doctor?
If you have any of the above symptoms, especially in combination, please talk to a health care provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow the progress of heart failure considerably, and allow you to have a better quality of life.
