Your heart sends you signals before heart failure occurs. Read this article to learn about the early signs of heart failure.
Throughout our lives, we’ve often believed that heart failure occurs suddenly. While this can be true to some extent, it is not always abrupt. Our bodies are designed to give us hints when something is amiss. When your heart function is compromised, your body will send out SOS signals. The early signs of heart failure may be subtle, but ignoring them can be life-threatening. Many people receive warning signs but dismiss them as normal. Unfortunately, a concerning number of young individuals have recently been suffering from heart failure. Therefore, awareness is crucial. We spoke with Dr. Anbu Pandian, Medical Advisor at Agatsa, to discuss the warning signs of heart failure.
Before understanding the signs and symptoms, it’s important to recognize what leads to heart failure. Heart failure can occur when the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively or when heart muscles are damaged, causing delays in heart function. Most commonly, individuals who have experienced a heart attack or suffer from coronary artery disease are at a greater risk for heart failure. Additionally, patients with hypertension, genetic disorders, or faulty heart valves are also susceptible to this condition. (Click here to read more about heart failure)
When heart failure occurs, it can lead to death. Therefore, it is essential to identify the signs of heart failure and seek immediate medical attention. Here are five signs you should not ignore:
Many people tend to overlook chest pain, much like they do with headaches. However, chest pain is a significant indicator of irregularities in heart function. While it may not always be related to heart issues, other underlying problems could be at play. Regardless, you should never ignore chest pain if it is sharp, frequent, or prolonged.
In cases of heart failure, chest pain can lead to extreme discomfort, accompanied by an aching feeling and a burning sensation.
One of the most common signs of a heart attack is breathing difficulty, which may occur only during physical activity or stressful situations. Shortness of breath typically arises when the heart is not functioning properly, causing blood to back up in the blood vessels. If you experience difficulty catching your breath, consult a doctor immediately.
Impaired blood flow can lead to fatigue and tiredness, as the body may not receive enough blood to meet the needs of its tissues. Another common sign is dizziness, especially when walking quickly or suddenly standing up. This may be linked to abnormalities in heart function or rhythm.
Consider congestion a red flag for your heart. When fluid builds up in the lungs, you may experience breathing difficulties, including wheezing and coughing. These symptoms can disrupt heart function, potentially leading to heart failure. Therefore, if you experience congestion along with chest pain, seek immediate medical assistance.
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. As a result, used blood in the lower parts of the body, such as the legs and ankles, is not returned to the heart for purification, leading to accumulation and swelling in the ankles. In some individuals, sudden weight gain alongside ankle swelling may be a significant sign of heart failure.