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 of Heart Failure
Introduction
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It can develop due to various reasons, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or heart valve disorders.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Heart failure presents with several characteristic signs and symptoms, which can be categorized as follows:
1. Symptoms Due to Fluid Retention
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) – Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or while lying down.
- Swelling (Edema) – Fluid accumulation in the legs, ankles, or feet.
- Rapid Weight Gain – Due to fluid retention.
- Abdominal Swelling (Ascites) – In severe cases, fluid can build up in the abdomen.
- Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia) – The body tries to eliminate excess fluid while lying down.
2. Symptoms Due to Reduced Blood Flow
- Fatigue and Weakness – Reduced oxygen supply to tissues.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness – Insufficient blood flow to the brain.
- Cold Hands and Feet – Poor circulation due to low cardiac output.
3. Symptoms Due to Structural Changes in the Heart
- Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat (Arrhythmia) – Palpitations or abnormal heart rhythms.
- Persistent Cough or Wheezing – Caused by fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Difficulty Exercising – Reduced stamina due to a weak heart.
When to See a Doctor?
If you or a loved one experience persistent shortness of breath, unexplained swelling, extreme fatigue, or irregular heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and quality of life.
Conclusion
Heart failure is a serious but manageable condition. Recognizing early symptoms can help in timely intervention, improving both prognosis and daily function.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology Heart Failure Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35379503/
2. European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Guidelines
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21159794/
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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.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.