What are the Signs of a Failing Heart?

Heart failure, a serious consequence of many heart conditions, is a common reason for deaths reported worldwide, in today’s time. It happens when the heart becomes too weak or stiff to be able to pump blood effectively as it normally should. When the heart fails in its functioning, often the blood backs up, leading to fluid buildup. As per a Heart Surgery Specialist in Delhi, ‘People with a failing heart may experience severe symptoms, which, when ignored, can lead to life threatening conditions.’

Here are the common signs- the key indicators of a failing heart:

• Shortness of breath/ trouble in breathing, especially when lying down or performing any physical activity (due to fluid build-up in the lungs)

• Cognitive issues like confusion, reduced alertness, difficulty concentrating, or memory loss

• An unusual tiredness or weakness even after ample rest

• Swelling of the abdomen and in the legs, ankles, and feet (due to fluid accumulation)

• A very rapid gain in body weight (due to fluid build-up)

• Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or sensations of a fluttering/racing heart

• Difficulty in managing physical activities

• Persistent coughing with or without white/pink mucus or wheezing

• Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting

• Chest pain (in case of a heart attack)

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea.

The onset of the above-mentioned symptoms can be gradual or sudden, especially after a cardiac arrest/heart attack or other damage to the heart. The signs may at first be present during the patient’s exertion, but over time, they can get worse, even showing up during the patient’s time of rest. If you experience any of the signs of a failing heart, seek prompt attention from a cardiologist, especially if your signs are severe or persistent. A good cardiologist can help provide an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan along with the heart surgery cost in Delhi.

Heart failure, or a failing heart, can be an outcome of various cardiac issues like coronary artery disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, heart valve disease, arrhythmia, and others. Luckily, treating them is possible and can help one restore the normal health of the heart. For survival and better life quality, patients with failing hearts need surgical interventions to address their specific heart problems. When the heart damage is beyond treatment, a cardiac surgeon recommends a heart transplant.