Heart failure is a serious health problem where the heart has trouble pumping blood properly around the body. Many people hear the term “heart failure” and think the heart has completely stopped, but that’s not true. In heart failure, the heart is still working, but it cannot pump blood as strongly as it should. This can cause many different problems throughout the body.
It is very important for people who have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart disease — and their families — to know the early warning signs. Finding heart failure early can help people get the right treatment and live better and longer lives.
Heart failure can affect either the right side of the heart, the left side, or both. The side that is affected can change the type of symptoms a person has. But no matter which side is involved, there are some key signs that everyone should watch for.
One of the most common signs is shortness of breath. Many people with heart failure find it hard to breathe, especially when they are active, lying down, or even just resting.
Doctors believe this happens because fluid builds up in the lungs when the heart isn’t pumping well. If someone often feels out of breath without a clear reason, it is a strong warning sign to see a doctor.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or belly is another important sign. When the heart is weak, blood does not move as it should, and fluid leaks out into the body’s tissues. This swelling, called edema, usually shows up in the lower parts of the body because of gravity. If someone notices swelling that doesn’t go away, they should get it checked.
Another thing to watch for is rapid weight gain. If a person gains several pounds in just a few days without eating more or exercising less, it could mean fluid is building up inside the body. Doctors often tell people with heart problems to weigh themselves every day so they can catch this early sign before it gets worse.
Feeling very tired or weak is also common. The body needs a steady flow of blood to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. When the heart can’t keep up, the muscles and organs don’t get enough energy, which can leave a person feeling exhausted, even after resting.
Some people with heart failure have a cough that doesn’t go away. This cough might bring up white or pink, frothy mucus. It usually gets worse when lying flat. This is another sign that fluid is backing up in the lungs.
A racing or pounding heartbeat can happen too. This happens because the heart tries to beat faster to make up for its weaker pumping. Some people feel their heart fluttering, skipping beats, or pounding hard in their chest.
Less often, people with heart failure might feel sick to their stomach, lose their appetite, or feel full quickly when eating. This happens when fluid builds up around the liver and stomach, making it hard for these organs to work normally.
In more serious cases, heart failure can even affect the brain. People may feel confused, have trouble concentrating, or forget things. This happens because the brain is not getting enough blood and oxygen.
Knowing these signs can make a big difference. Research shows that early treatment for heart failure can help people live longer, avoid going to the hospital, and feel better day to day. Medicines, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical procedures can help manage the disease and improve quality of life.
In short, heart failure is a complicated condition, but catching it early is key. If you or someone you love notices shortness of breath, swelling, quick weight gain, extreme tiredness, coughing, a racing heart, stomach problems, or confusion, it’s important to talk to a doctor right away.
Regular check-ups and honest conversations with healthcare providers about any new symptoms are an important part of staying healthy, especially for those already at risk.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about supplements that could help prevent heart disease, stroke, and results showing this food ingredient may strongly increase heart disease death risk.
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