Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition which occurs when the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It is a serious medical condition that can lead to death if not properly managed.

There are a number of early signs and symptoms of heart failure that one should be aware of in order to seek medical help early and prevent further complications.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of heart failure. It occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s oxygen needs.

This can result in labored breathing, feeling out of breath even when at rest, and difficulty exerting yourself in physical activities that were once easy to perform.

Fatigue and Weakness

Another early symptom of heart failure is fatigue and weakness. When the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood, it results in less oxygen reaching the body’s tissues.

This can cause fatigue and weakness as the body struggles to carry out even simple activities.

Swelling

Swelling, or edema, is another early sign of heart failure. This occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which can cause fluid to build up in the body’s tissues. Swelling can occur in the feet, ankles, legs, and abdomen.

It can also result in weight gain and the need to urinate more frequently during the night.

Coughing

A persistent cough can also be an early symptom of heart failure. This occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs, making it harder to breathe. Coughing can be accompanied by chest pain, wheezing, and discomfort when lying down.

Chest Pain

Chest pain is another early sign of heart failure. The pain can feel like pressure or a squeezing sensation in the chest. It can also be accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness.

Chest pain should always be taken seriously and medical help should be sought immediately.

Rapid Heartbeat

When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, the body may compensate by increasing the heart rate. This can result in a rapid heartbeat, even when at rest.

It can also cause palpitations, or the sensation of the heart beating irregularly or skipping a beat.

Dizziness and Fainting

When the heart is unable to pump enough blood, it can result in a drop in blood pressure. This can cause dizziness and fainting. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.

Poor Appetite and Nausea

Another early sign of heart failure is poor appetite and nausea. This occurs because the digestive system may not be receiving enough blood, which can cause digestive upset. This can also cause bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Difficulty Concentrating

Difficulty concentrating and confusion can also be early symptoms of heart failure. This occurs when the brain is not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients due to poor blood circulation.

Other cognitive symptoms can include memory loss and difficulty with problem-solving or decision-making.

Increased Heart Rate During Exercise

One way to identify early signs of heart failure is to pay attention to your heart rate during exercise.

If you notice that your heart rate is higher than usual during physical activity or that you are getting winded more quickly than before, it may be a sign that your heart is not functioning as it should.