Heart failure is a severe cardiovascular disease that occurs when your heart can’t pump enough blood. Unfortunately, cardiovascular diseases are fairly common. At the moment, more than 6 million adults in the United States are affected by the condition.
To keep your heart in check, this article covers 9 symptoms of heart failure and treatment methods you can use.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Understandably, your body won’t feel its best when you begin experiencing heart failure symptoms. However, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that your symptoms will eventually worsen as your heart gets weaker. The most dangerous signs of heart failure include:
Shortness of Breath
You might have difficulty breathing during physical activities, such as exercise or just when you’re lying down. However, this depends on the type of heart failure you have.
Coughing or Wheezing
This could happen if your heart doesn’t contract very forcefully, causing a fluid buildup in your lungs.
Fatigue and Weakness
This is one of the earliest signs of heart failure, as you could feel exhausted just performing your daily activities.
Waking Up Feeling Short of Breath
Because of this, you could have difficulty sleeping through the night and need to support your head with pillows to feel better.
Rapid Heart Rate
Your heart might feel like it’s racing or fluttering.
Fluid Retention
In this case, your feet, legs, or ankles become swollen because blood, water, and other fluids build-up due to poor circulation. Some individuals might also notice their abdomen is swollen or suddenly gain weight due to fluid retention.
Chest Pain
If your heart muscle does not receive enough blood, you could experience heaviness or tightness in your chest.
Nausea
You may feel nauseous if your digestive system does not get sufficient blood flow.
Bluish Lips or Fingers
When you don’t receive enough oxygen, your skin will develop a bluish tinge.
Heart Failure Treatment
Although heart failure is individual, here’s what to generally expect when creating a plan with your cardiologist:
Lifestyle Changes
You’ll need to make changes in the earliest stages to prevent further damage. This includes quitting smoking or stopping the use of illegal drugs.
Heart Failure Medication
If your heart failure has progressed, your treatment plan may include medications such as aldosterone antagonists, diuretics, and beta blockers.
Surgery
In certain cases, the patient may need surgery to address problems affecting the heart valves or boost the blood supply to the heart.
Conclusion
If you believe you’re having symptoms related to your heart, you should see your doctor immediately for more evaluation. However, you should head to the emergency room or call 911 if you’re experiencing a tight sensation in your chest or a constant shortness of breath.
