Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood optimally to meet the body's needs. While the name sounds frightening, heart failure doesn't mean the heart stops beating . This condition can develop gradually, and initially, the symptoms are often mistaken for normal fatigue. Therefore, recognizing the signs early is crucial for faster diagnosis and treatment.
Many people only become aware of heart problems when their daily activities begin to suffer. Climbing stairs, which was previously easy, becomes tiring, a short walk makes them short of breath, or their feet often swell. However, these changes can be a sign that the heart needs attention.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure occurs when the heart's ability to pump blood is no longer sufficient to meet the body's needs. As a result, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to various organs can be disrupted. In certain conditions, fluid can also accumulate in the lungs or body tissues, causing shortness of breath and swelling.
Heart failure can be associated with various cardiovascular problems and other medical conditions. Therefore, symptoms suggestive of heart failure should not be self-diagnosed. A medical examination is necessary to determine the cause and determine the severity of the condition.
Recognize 7 Early Signs of Heart Failure
1. Easily Short of Breath
Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms. In the early stages, a person may only feel short of breath when walking long distances, climbing stairs, or performing moderately strenuous activities.
However, as the condition progresses, shortness of breath can occur during light activity, even while lying down or sleeping. Some people may need to use several pillows to breathe more comfortably.
Don't dismiss recurring shortness of breath as simply a lack of exercise or getting older.
2. Quickly Tired and Reduced Energy
When the heart is unable to pump blood optimally, the body can lack the blood and oxygen it needs to function. As a result, simple activities like walking, carrying items, or climbing stairs feel much more tiring than before.
If your stamina decreases without any clear reason and continues, you should have a health evaluation.
3. Swollen Feet or Ankles
Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, and even the abdomen can occur due to fluid buildup. One sign to look for is when the feet or ankles become larger or feel heavier than usual.
Swelling that occurs with shortness of breath or sudden weight gain requires medical attention.
4. Sudden weight gain
Short-term weight gain doesn't always mean increased body fat. In people with heart failure, this gain can be caused by fluid retention. The American Heart Association recommends that heart failure patients monitor their weight regularly, as sudden changes can be a sign of worsening conditions.
Therefore, rapid weight changes should not be ignored, especially if accompanied by swelling or shortness of breath.
5. Cough or wheezing that doesn't go away
Fluid buildup in the lungs can cause a persistent cough or wheezing. In some cases, a person may even cough up white or pink, frothy phlegm.
A persistent cough can have many possible causes. However, if it's accompanied by shortness of breath and swelling, a heart examination should be considered.
6. Heart palpitations or increased heart rate
Some sufferers may experience palpitations or a faster heartbeat. This can be the body's response as it tries to maintain blood flow throughout the body.
If palpitations occur repeatedly, last a long time, or are accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or weakness, do not delay examination.
7. Decreased Appetite and Easily Nauseous
Complaints such as early satiety, loss of appetite, or nausea can also occur in some people with heart failure. These disorders can be related to changes in blood flow and fluid retention in the body.
Because the symptoms are not always considered heart-related, they are often missed if they occur without other typical symptoms.
Who Needs to Be More Alert?
The risk of heart disease can increase in individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease, or other health conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. Therefore, managing risk factors is a crucial part of maintaining heart health.
Regular checkups are also important, especially if someone has risk factors or begins to experience unusual changes in physical abilities.
How is Heart Failure Diagnosed?
Diagnosing heart failure isn't solely based on symptoms. Doctors can conduct a medical interview and physical examination, then determine the necessary supporting tests.
Examinations may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), a chest X-ray, an echocardiogram, a treadmill or activity test, and certain imaging tests and cardiac catheterization , depending on the patient's condition. These tests help doctors determine heart function, possible causes, and the severity of the condition.
The clearer the cause and condition of the heart, the more appropriate the treatment strategy that can be provided.
Don't Wait for Symptoms to Become Severe
One of the biggest challenges in recognizing heart failure is that symptoms can develop slowly. The body sometimes adapts to these changes, causing a person to feel "normal," even though their physical abilities have actually declined.
Therefore, small changes such as feeling short of breath more easily, getting tired more quickly, feet starting to swell, having to sleep with more pillows, or sudden weight gain should not be ignored.
If shortness of breath occurs suddenly and is severe, especially at rest, or is accompanied by worrying conditions such as chest pain, decreased consciousness, or bluish lips and fingers, seek medical attention immediately.
Heart and Blood Vessel Services at EMC Tangerang
EMC Tangerang Hospital provides heart and blood vessel services , including support for the examination and treatment of various cardiovascular conditions. EMC Healthcare also provides cardiovascular evaluation services, with examinations that may include EKGs, echocardiography, treadmill testing, and other tests as medically indicated.
At EMC Hospital Tangerang, there are heart and blood vessel specialists available, including Dr. Heri Hernawan, Sp.JP, FIHA and Dr. Athikah Khairunnisa, Sp.JP, FIHA .
A Healthy Heart Starts with Body Awareness
Heart failure doesn't always present with dramatic symptoms. Often, the body gives warnings through subtle changes that appear gradually. Shortness of breath, fatigue, leg swelling, sudden weight gain, or heart palpitations may be a reason for further evaluation.
Don't wait until your body forces you to stop exercising. Recognize the signs, get tested if you have any symptoms or risk factors, and consult a doctor about your heart condition.