Thats why its so important to understand what heart failure is and what it can feel like.
While heart failure sounds like your heart has stopped working entirely, that isnt the case.
National Library of Medicine.
Heart failure symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and more.
This is your hearts main artery (and your largest artery!
), and its responsible for getting blood to the rest of your body.
Its these effects that set off the various symptoms of heart failure.
(Well dive into those more below.)
What are common heart failure risk factors to be aware of?
Heart failure typically develops because the heart has been weakened in some way, according to theMayo Clinic.
There are variousstages of heart failure, and each stage can present differently from person to person.
But acute heart failure will often cause symptoms until you get the proper treatment.
In the case ofcongestive heart failure, for example, thisshortness of breathis especially noticeable when laying flat.
Blood can build up in your lungs, along with fluid, Dr. Solanki says.
That can make it difficult to breathe, even when youre laying down.
This also comes down to the level of oxygen in your blood, Dr. Wald says.
Excess fluid in your lungs can also make exercising feel especially difficult, she says.
When your abdomen gets swollen from excess fluid, it makes it tough to have much of an appetite.
People may start feelingheart palpitationsor irregular beats, Dr. Solanki confirms.
This is also due to fluid and blood buildup in your lungs, Dr. Solanki says.
People with severe heart failure may not be receiving enough blood flow to the brain, Dr. Wald says.
First, your doctor will go through your medical history to identify any potential heart failure risk factors.
There are lots of medications that can be used to treat heart failure.
Others can help you release extra fluid to keep it from building up in your body.
Youll likely be encouraged to make some lifestyle changes as well.
Both lifestyle modifications and medications are important, says Dr. Wong.
Some people can lead fairly normal lives with good management.
