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.
Worsening Symptoms of Heart Failure
Introduction
Heart failure (HF) occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It can develop due to various conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or heart valve disease.
Signs That Heart Failure is Getting Worse
Recognizing the warning signs early can help prevent serious complications. Here are key symptoms indicating worsening heart failure:
1. Increased Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Shortness of breath occurring at rest or worsening with mild activity
- Worsening orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying down)
- Nocturnal dyspnea (waking up breathless at night)
2. Fluid Retention and Swelling (Edema)
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen
- Rapid weight gain (>2-3 pounds in a day or >5 pounds in a week)
- A feeling of bloating or fullness
3. Increased Fatigue and Weakness
- Decreased ability to perform daily activities
- Feeling tired despite adequate rest
4. Cough and Wheezing
- Persistent or worsening cough, often producing frothy or pink-tinged sputum
- Wheezing or a feeling of chest tightness
5. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
- Sensation of racing, fluttering, or irregular heartbeats
- Increased pulse rate, even at rest
6. Mental Confusion or Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling disoriented
- Episodes of dizziness or fainting
When to Seek Medical Help?
Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience: - Rapid or worsening shortness of breath - Sudden severe chest pain - Confusion or loss of consciousness - Extreme dizziness or inability to stand
Recommendations for Management
- Monitor Daily Weight : Sudden gain may indicate fluid retention.
- Reduce Salt and Fluid Intake : Helps in controlling swelling and fluid overload.
- Medication Adherence : Ensure you take prescribed diuretics, beta-blockers, or ACE inhibitors as directed.
- Regularly Follow Up : Consult your cardiologist to adjust medications if symptoms worsen.
Conclusion
Heart failure is a progressive condition, and recognizing the symptoms of worsening heart failure is crucial. If you notice any of the above signs, consult your doctor immediately to prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines on Heart Failure
- 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/35363499/
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis & Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22611136/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
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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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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.