Heart Failure occurs when the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently enough to keep the body working normally. Symptoms of heart failure include chest pain, fluid retention, and general weakness. You may have symptoms that are similar to other conditions, and you should get a diagnosis from a doctor right away.
Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms
If you have a heart problem, you’ll want to get checked out for any symptoms of heart failure by the best cardiologist doctor in India. The symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeats, and fatigue. Read on to learn more about these conditions and how to detect them; if necessary, contact the best cardiologist in Visakhapatnam.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
While most cases of rapid or irregular heartbeats are harmless, some can lead to cardiac arrest and stroke. Doctors often refer to these symptoms as “Arrhythmias”
While ventricular fibrillation is one of the most common heart failure, atrial flutter may be more benign. In time, this heart condition can progress to atrial fibrillation, which is a much more serious condition. In extreme cases, rapid or irregular heartbeats may even lead to a fainting spell.
- Shortness of breath
While shortness of breath as a symptom of the disease is a common complaint, it can be the first sign of a more serious issue. A recent study found that shortness of breath is often the only symptom of coronary artery disease, which is often treatable and it is known as cardiac asthma.
In severe cases, the condition can lead to permanent disability. In addition to heart failure, lung failure can cause shortness of breath which is also known as pulmonary odema.
- Fatigue
The onset of chronic fatigue is common and can be a symptom of several heart conditions, including heart valve problems and heart failure. Studies have linked chronic fatigue to a number of heart conditions, and most of the people who experience it also suffer from left ventricular dysfunction, a condition where the left ventricular chamber does not pump blood properly. The left ventricular chamber is the thickest chamber of the heart and is responsible for pumping blood full of oxygen to the organs. Left ventricular dysfunction often results in congestive heart failure.
Read Also:
- Feeling tired and weakness
When the heart is unable to pump blood properly, the chambers stretch and the weak muscles of the heart make the pumping process difficult. Without enough blood flow to the body, a person can feel fatigued, weak, dizzy, and confused. As a result, the body may experience pain and difficulty breathing. Feeling tired and weak can be a sign of heart failure.
If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You should visit a doctor if you are unable to complete daily activities and experience extreme tiredness.
- Rapid Weight Gain
The sudden increase in weight may be indicative of heart failure. Low blood flow can also cause edema or swelling of particular parts of the body. The swelling of the legs and ankles may cause rapid weight gain. If you experience a change in your weight, your doctor may recommend a test to determine the cause of your rapid weight gain.
- Need to urinate while resting at night
The word nocturia means the need to urinate while resting at night. While getting up once or twice during the night to relieve yourself of the bladder is not usually bothersome, frequent urination at night can be a sign of heart failure.
In a healthy person, urine is filtered and sent to the bladder, where it is excreted. However, during heart failure, the kidneys do not perform their normal function. As a result, you may find that your need to urinate during the night is a sign of elevated blood pressure.
A physician should investigate the possibility of underlying causes of nighttime urination. If you suspect heart failure is the cause of your need to urinate while resting, talk with your doctor.
- Congested lungs
The failure of the heart to pump enough blood to the body causes congested lungs and other common heart failure symptoms. Because of the weakened heart muscle, the blood in the lungs backs up. This fluid causes difficulty breathing, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Additionally, the damaged heart muscle can cause problems with the cardiovascular system. The heart may beat too fast or too slowly or have irregular rhythms.
- Dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, fainting
The symptoms of Heart Failure can vary, but the most common include fainting, unsteadiness, lightheadedness, and an unsteady sensation. You may also experience a false sense of vertigo. No matter what the cause, dizziness can affect your daily life and cause you to have an accident. It is important to seek emergency medical attention for dizziness because it could lead to a heart attack.
Conclusion
Heart failure is a serious medical condition that affects approximately one crore Indians, and approximately 670,000 people are diagnosed with the condition each year. It is the number one reason older people go to the hospital. Treatment for heart failure may include medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Also, limiting alcohol intake and stopping smoking are among other measures to prevent heart failure. For more information, contact the best cardiologist doctor in Vizag.