Signs of Heart Failure in Women

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. While the symptoms of heart failure can be similar in men and women, women often experience different, sometimes more subtle, signs of the disease. Awareness of these differences can help with early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms

1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

• Women with heart failure may experience unusual difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or even at rest.
• This may worsen when lying down (orthopnea).
• Waking up at night gasping for air (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea) is a potential warning sign.

2. Extreme Fatigue and Weakness

• Many women report feeling persistently tired, even with minimal exertion.
• Unlike men, women may have greater difficulty completing daily tasks due to excessive fatigue.

3. Swelling (Edema)

• Fluid retention can cause swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or even the abdomen.
• Some women also experience bloating and rapid, unexplained weight gain.

4. Persistent Cough or Wheezing

• A chronic cough that worsens at night may indicate fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Some women report a pink-tinged or frothy mucus.

5. Heart Palpitations and Irregular Heartbeat

• Women may notice their heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats.
• This can be a sign of arrhythmia often associated with heart failure.

6. Nausea, Loss of Appetite, and Digestive Issues

• Unexplained nausea, bloating, or feeling full quickly may be due to fluid buildup affecting digestion.
• Some women mistakenly attribute these symptoms to gastrointestinal issues.

7. Depression and Anxiety

• Emotional stress, depression, and anxiety are common in women with heart failure.
• Women are more likely than men to report emotional distress as an early symptom.

Why Are Symptoms Different in Women?

• Women often develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), meaning the heart pumps normally but is too stiff to fill properly.
• Hormonal differences, such as estrogen levels, can influence symptom presentation.
• Women may delay seeking medical attention due to atypical or milder symptoms.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, especially shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, or heart palpitations, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life and outcomes.

Conclusion

Heart failure in women can present with unique and subtle symptoms. Recognizing these warning signs and seeking medical evaluation early is essential for appropriate treatment and management.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Failure

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
2. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
3. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
4. https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-heart-failure
5. https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx

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