Heart Failure Symptoms in Women

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. While symptoms of heart failure are well-documented in men, women often experience different or less typical symptoms, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Key Symptoms of Heart Failure in Women

Women with heart failure may present with:

1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

• Occurs during physical activity or even at rest in later stages.
• May worsen when lying down (orthopnea) or wake the person up at night (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).

2. Fatigue and Weakness

• Generalized tiredness and lack of energy are common.
• Can be mistaken for stress or anemia.

3. Swelling (Edema)

• Fluid retention causes swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen.
• May lead to rapid weight gain due to fluid buildup.

4. Persistent Cough or Wheezing

• Often accompanied by pink-tinged mucus due to fluid buildup in the lungs.

5. Nausea and Loss of Appetite

• Digestive symptoms can occur due to poor blood circulation in the gastrointestinal system.

6. Increased Heart Rate (Palpitations)

• The heart may beat faster or irregularly as it tries to compensate for the reduced pumping ability.

7. Depression and Anxiety

• Women with heart failure often report emotional symptoms.
• Can be mistaken for psychological conditions without recognizing the underlying heart disease.

Differences Between Women and Men in Heart Failure

• Women are more likely to develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), where the heart pumps normally but is too stiff to fill properly.
• They may report more shortness of breath and swelling rather than classic chest pain.
• Women tend to have a better survival rate than men but often experience a lower quality of life due to unrecognized symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment improve prognosis and quality of life.

Conclusion

Recognizing heart failure symptoms in women is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. Since symptoms can be different from those in men, awareness is key to preventing complications and improving outcomes.

Source recommendations

1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Heart Failure Guidelines

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
2. https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
3. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
4. https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35363499/

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
5. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines