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.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
Introduction
Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. It can result from various underlying conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or cardiomyopathy. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of HF is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms
Heart failure symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. They are typically categorized into:
1. Symptoms Due to Fluid Overload (Congestive Symptoms)
- Shortness of breath (Dyspnea) – Especially during exertion or when lying down (orthopnea).
- Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) – Sudden breathlessness at night, causing a person to wake up gasping for air.
- Persistent cough or wheezing – Often associated with white or pink frothy sputum, indicating pulmonary congestion.
- Swelling (Edema) – Commonly in the legs, ankles, or feet due to fluid retention.
- Abdominal bloating or ascites – Due to liver congestion and fluid buildup in the abdomen.
2. Symptoms Due to Low Heart Output
- Fatigue and weakness – Due to reduced oxygen delivery to the muscles.
- Cold extremities and pale or bluish skin (cyanosis) – Indicating poor circulation.
- Dizziness or fainting (Syncope) – Caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain.
3. Other Symptoms
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (Palpitations) – A response to poor heart function.
- Unintentional weight gain – Due to fluid retention.
- Loss of appetite and nausea – Related to digestive system congestion.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, especially worsening shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or swelling, consult a healthcare provider promptly. Early management can prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
- 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
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!
Our advantages:
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.