FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE?
– Shortness of breath
– Easy fatigue
– Coughing, particularly when lying down
– Swelling in the ankles
– Weight gain
– Loss of appetite
– Rapid heartbeat
– Difficulty tolerating exercise
Let’s review these symptoms in greater detail.
Heart failure is a serious condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. Recognizing the symptoms of heart failure is crucial for early detection and treatment. While some symptoms may develop suddenly, others can appear gradually over time, making them easy to overlook or attribute to other causes.
Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of heart failure. This can occur during physical activity or even at rest, especially when lying down. Many people with heart failure experience difficulty breathing while sleeping and may need to prop themselves up with pillows to breathe more comfortably. Persistent coughing or wheezing, often accompanied by white or pink blood-tinged mucus, is another respiratory symptom that may indicate heart failure.
Fatigue and weakness are also hallmark symptoms of heart failure. As the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, the body’s organs and muscles receive less oxygen and nutrients, leading to a constant feeling of tiredness and a reduced ability to perform daily activities. This fatigue can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may worsen if left untreated.
Edema, or swelling, is another common symptom of heart failure. Due to fluid buildup in the body, this typically occurs in the legs, ankles, and feet. In some cases, swelling may also be noticeable in the abdomen or neck veins. Rapid weight gain, often a few pounds over a day or two, can be a sign of fluid retention associated with heart failure.
Heart palpitations, characterized by a rapid or irregular heartbeat, may occur in some individuals with heart failure. This can be accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness. Additionally, people with heart failure may experience a loss of appetite or nausea as blood flow to the digestive system is reduced.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, particularly persistent or worsening, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Our skilled team of cardiologists in Atlanta can help improve your quality of life. Our goal is to decrease or eliminate your symptoms so you can return to enjoying the activities you love, and we will monitor your condition over time.
Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.
You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.
To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.