About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Chronic Heart Failure Symptoms
Introduction
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It develops progressively over time and is associated with a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life.
Common Symptoms of CHF
1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Occurs during physical activity or even at rest in advanced stages.
- May be worse when lying down (orthopnea).
- Often leads to waking up at night gasping for air (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).
2. Fatigue and Weakness
- Results from insufficient oxygen-rich blood reaching muscles and tissues.
- May cause difficulty in performing simple daily tasks.
3. Swelling (Edema) in the Legs, Ankles, and Feet
- Due to fluid accumulation caused by weakened heart function.
- Can also appear in the abdomen (ascites) in severe cases.
4. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
- The heart may compensate for its inability to pump effectively by beating faster.
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) may occur, leading to dizziness or fainting.
5. Persistent Cough or Wheezing
- Coughing with white or pink-tinged mucus due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
- A sign of worsening heart failure and pulmonary congestion.
6. Increased Need to Urinate at Night (Nocturia)
- Fluid that builds up in the lower extremities during the day gets reabsorbed into the bloodstream when lying down and is excreted through the kidneys.
7. Difficulty Concentrating or Mental Confusion
- Inadequate circulation to the brain can result in cognitive impairment or memory problems.
8. Sudden Weight Gain
- A sign of fluid retention due to worsening heart failure.
When to See a Doctor?
- Rapid worsening of symptoms.
- Severe shortness of breath at rest.
- Swelling that persists or worsens.
- New or worsening palpitations.
- Sudden confusion or fainting.
Conclusion
Recognizing these symptoms early is essential for managing CHF effectively. Lifestyle modifications, medications, and close monitoring by a cardiologist can improve the quality of life for patients with CHF.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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