When to Take Action
Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working—it’s a serious condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. Over time, this can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body, causing a range of symptoms that may develop slowly or come on suddenly. Understanding the signs of heart failure can help you or a loved one seek timely medical care and start effective treatment.
What Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure—sometimes referred to as congestive heart failure—occurs when the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively. Common causes include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and other heart conditions that gradually strain the heart. As the heart loses strength, blood may back up into the lungs and tissues, leading to a variety of symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Heart Failure
Heart failure symptoms can vary and often worsen over time if left untreated. Watch for the following signs:
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying flat
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty exercising
- Persistent wheezing or coughing, especially if mucus is white, pink, or tinged with blood
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Rapid weight gain from fluid retention
- Nausea or reduced appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “foggy”
- Chest pain (especially if related to a heart attack)
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Certain symptoms may signal a medical emergency. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Fainting or extreme weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat accompanied by shortness of breath or fainting
- Sudden and severe shortness of breath with pink, foamy mucus
These symptoms may be related to heart failure or another serious condition. Don’t try to self-diagnose—getting help quickly can save your life.
Ongoing Monitoring and What to Watch For
If you’ve been diagnosed with heart failure, it’s important to stay in close contact with your healthcare provider. Call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms suddenly worsen
- You develop a new symptom
- You gain more than 5 pounds (2.3 kg) in just a few days
These changes could indicate that your heart failure is progressing or that your treatment plan needs adjustment.
Living with Heart Failure
While heart failure is a serious condition, it’s often manageable with proper care. Medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, advanced therapies like implanted devices or heart transplants can help. Losing weight, reducing salt intake, staying active, and managing stress can significantly improve quality of life.
Heart failure may sound overwhelming, but recognizing the symptoms and getting prompt medical attention can make a meaningful difference. If you or someone you love is showing signs of heart failure, don’t wait—talk to a healthcare provider today. The sooner you take action, the better the chances for effective treatment and improved quality of life.
Dr. Bobish
Dr. Bobish and her team’s goal is to help you reduce your risk of heart disease. Helping you to understand your risk factors and make healthful lifestyle changes.
Remember regardless of age or current state of health it is never too late to start protecting your heart. It is also never too soon and the sooner you act the better. Follow us on Facebook to see our latest post helping to keep you heart healthy. You can also explore all our articles that offer diet and exercise tips, recipes and information on procedures and heart disease.
Dr. Bobish and her team focus on preventative care and are here to support you. Alpine Cardiology provides patients with education as well as compassionate care and treatment. We are committed to keeping you healthy and heart smart! Request an appointment at 989-448-7002