Signs of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs, and rapid heartbeat. Early diagnosis by the best cardiologists in Hyderabad is crucial for effective management and improving quality of life.
Heart failure is a condition that is diagnosed in millions of people all over the world. It happens when the heart is not able to pump blood effectively and this may lead to many symptoms and effects. In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms of heart failure and why it is crucial to seek help from the best cardiologists in Hyderabad.
Understanding Heart Failure
Contents
- Understanding Heart Failure
- Symptoms of Heart Failure
- 1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- 2. Persistent Cough or Wheezing
- 3. Fatigue and Weakness
- 4. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, and Feet (Oedema)
- 5. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
- 6. Difficulty Concentrating or Confusion
- 7. Nausea and Loss of Appetite
- 8. Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia)
- 9. Weight Gain
- When to See a Cardiologist
Congestive heart failure (CHF) or heart failure is a medical condition whereby the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to the organs and tissues of the body. This can result in tiredness, accumulation of fluids in the lungs and other body organs, and other complications.
There are two types of heart failure:
- Systolic Heart Failure: This is the case when the heart muscle is unable to contract with enough force to propel an adequate amount of blood into circulation.
- Diastolic Heart Failure: This occurs when the heart muscles harden and do not expand enough to allow enough blood into the heart during the time between the beats.
Heart failure can be managed and its progression can be slowed down if it is diagnosed early.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
The first and most frequent sign of heart failure is usually shortness of breath. This can happen when one is exercising, sleeping or even when the person is just relaxed. In heart failure, there is congestion in the lungs, and oxygen cannot easily diffuse through the blood, resulting in breathlessness. People may also have a condition known as orthopnea, which is a condition that makes it hard for one to breathe when lying down and one has to sleep with raised up pillows.
2. Persistent Cough or Wheezing
Another symptom of heart failure is a cough or wheezing that does not go away, especially if the mucus is white or pink. This symptom happens because there is congestion of fluids in the lungs because the heart cannot pump blood efficiently. If you have a cough or wheeze that does not go away, you should see a doctor. Dr Sunil Kapoor is one of the best cardiologists in Hyderabad, and he is skilled in diagnosing and managing heart failure, which may be treated before the development of complications.
3. Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue and weakness are some of the symptoms that are associated with heart failure. This is because the heart is pumping less blood and oxygen to the muscles and tissues of the body, which makes patients feel tired all the time even after doing little exercises. This can affect activities such as walking, climbing stairs or even standing for long hours at work or at home.
4. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, and Feet (Oedema)
Swelling or oedema is common in the lower limbs, particularly the legs, ankles and feet in patients with heart failure. The body begins to retain fluid because the heart is not pumping blood as it should, and blood accumulates in the veins. This results in oedema which is quite apparent especially in the lower limbs. In severe cases, fluid may also collect in the abdomen (ascites) or the lungs, which makes it even harder to breathe. If you develop sudden and unexplained swelling of the legs or abdomen, you should seek the attention of a cardiologist.
5. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
Heart failure may lead to tachycardia or arrhythmia because the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. Palpitations can be described as a fluttering or pounding in the chest and sometimes may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. These symptoms are due to the fact that the heart is unable to pump enough blood to all the parts of the body.
6. Difficulty Concentrating or Confusion
Heart failure can also cause problems with your thinking and memory. This is because when blood flow to the brain is restricted, one may find it hard to concentrate, have problems with memory or even get confused. This symptom is more prevalent in elderly people and may be confused with dementia that is associated with ageing. But it could be a sign of decreased oxygen supply to the brain because of heart failure.
7. Nausea and Loss of Appetite
When the heart is not working as it should, it can lead to problems in the digestive system including nausea, bloating and loss of appetite. This occurs because less blood is supplied to the digestive organs and therefore digestion slows down and one feels full even after taking a small portion of food.
8. Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia)
Kidneys are also affected by heart failure and this results in poor filtration of fluids during the day and hence accumulation of fluids. During the night, the body attempts to eliminate the excess fluid and this leads to frequent waking up to urinate. If you are a frequent nocturnal urinator, then it may be high time you visited the doctor since it could be a sign of heart failure or other related ailments.
This symptom can affect your sleeping pattern and therefore worsen the feeling of fatigue and weakness. It is advisable to seek the services of the best cardiologists in Hyderabad to diagnose and treat this condition.
9. Weight Gain
Weight gain is one of the symptoms of heart failure because the heart is unable to pump enough blood and thus fluid accumulates in the body. If you observe a sudden gain in weight, which is usually 2-3 pounds within a short time, then this may be as a result of fluid buildup, which is a sign of heart failure.
When to See a Cardiologist
Heart failure is a severe and chronic disease that should be treated as soon as possible. If you observe any of the above signs, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Hyderabad’s top cardiologists, including Dr Sunil Kapoor, can diagnose heart failure through physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests like echocardiograms and MRIs.
It is important to note that the early diagnosis of the condition can help in the management of the condition, reduce symptoms and slow down its progression. As a cardiologist, Dr Sunil Kapoorhas the knowledge and skills to manage heart failure and provide patients with a range of care plans that include lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments to enhance the quality of life of patients with heart failure.
Conclusion
Heart failure is a severe condition, but if the symptoms are detected on time, the condition can be managed well and the results will be better. If you are having any of the symptoms mentioned in this blog, then it is advisable to seek medical advice from a professional cardiologist such as Dr Sunil Kapoor, who is one of the best cardiologists in Hyderabad. If diagnosed early and treated accordingly, you can live a healthier and more productive life.