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.
Early Symptoms of Heart Failure
Introduction
Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. Recognizing the early symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Early Symptoms of Heart Failure
1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Initially occurs during physical exertion.
- Progresses to shortness of breath at rest or while lying down (orthopnea).
- Waking up at night due to breathlessness (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea) can also be an early sign.
2. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness
- Early stages of heart failure may cause tiredness even after mild activities.
- This occurs due to inadequate oxygen supply to tissues and muscles.
3. Swelling (Edema)
- Fluid retention causes swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen.
- Tight-fitting shoes or sudden weight gain may indicate fluid accumulation.
4. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
- The heart works harder to compensate for its reduced efficiency, leading to abnormal rhythms.
5. Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia)
- Due to fluid redistribution when lying down, the kidneys produce more urine.
6. Reduced Exercise Tolerance
- Patients may feel breathless or exhausted even with minimal physical activity.
When to See a Doctor?
If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, especially in combination, it's essential to seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis allows for proper treatment and lifestyle modifications to prevent disease progression.
Conclusion
Heart failure is a serious condition, but recognizing early symptoms and seeking timely medical care can improve outcomes. Lifestyle changes, medications, and regular monitoring play a critical role in disease management.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association: Heart Failure Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-heart-failure
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
- https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Professional/Quality-Improvement/Get-With-the-Guidelines/Get-With-The-Guidelines-HF/HF-Awareness-Week-2023/2023New-Heart-Failure-Guidelines-Impact-on-the-Patient-Journey-The-Healthcare-Professional-Perspecti.pdf
2. European Society of Cardiology: Guidelines for Heart Failure Management
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- 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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Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.