The human heart is a vital organ that beats more than 100,000 times per day, pumping blood to the body’s different organs and tissues. It provides nutrients and oxygen and removes waste products.

However, several factors can affect the heart’s ability to function correctly and lead to heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Yet, many individuals don’t know when their heart is under immense pressure.

This article will highlight ten signs that your heart is struggling to function.

Feeling Tired Constantly

When your heart is not pumping efficiently, it will require extra work to keep your body functioning, making you feel constantly tired and fatigued even without any physical exertion.

Breathing Difficulties

The heart and lungs work hand in hand to provide adequate oxygen to your tissues. However, if the heart is not functioning correctly, fluid can build up in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing.

This can occur suddenly, or it may start as a mild symptom and worsen over time.

Irregular Heartbeat

An irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia is a common sign that your heart is struggling to function. It can occur due to various reasons, such as heart damage, electrolyte imbalances, or hormonal changes.

Sometimes, you may feel as if your heart is racing or beating too slowly.

Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most apparent signs that your heart is struggling to function. This symptom may occur suddenly or slowly and can feel like pressure, burning, or tightness.

Chest pain may occur due to various reasons, such as a heart attack, angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart), or other heart-related conditions.

Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Heart failure can lead to fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, or feet, causing swelling. This occurs because the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs efficiently.

Poor circulation can cause swelling in other parts of the body as well, such as the abdomen or liver.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is a common sign that your heart is struggling to function. It can result in narrowing or damage to the blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart and other organs.

High blood pressure can lead to many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Dizziness or Fainting

Dizziness and fainting can occur when the heart is not pumping adequate blood to the brain. This can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, especially when standing up quickly.

Excessive Sweating

If you experience excessive sweating, especially at night, it may indicate a problem with your heart. Sweating occurs when the body tries to release heat and regulate its temperature.

However, when the heart is unable to pump effectively, it can cause the body’s temperature to fluctuate, leading to excessive sweating.

Pale or Blue Skin

If your skin appears pale or bluish, it may indicate that your heart is struggling to function. This occurs due to poor circulation and reduced oxygen supply to the tissues. If you notice this symptom, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Persistent cough or wheezing

A persistent cough or wheezing that doesn’t seem to go away can indicate fluid buildup in the lungs. This occurs due to heart failure and can make breathing more difficult, especially when lying down.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Knowing the signs that your heart is struggling to function can help you seek timely medical attention and prevent further complications.