Heart failure is a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a serious condition that happens when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

Over time, heart failure can lead to severe health complications and can even be fatal. But, if detected early, heart failure can be managed and treated effectively. Here are the warning signs of heart failure that you should be aware of:.

Shortness of Breath

One of the most common warning signs of heart failure is shortness of breath. This happens because excess fluid can build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

Shortness of breath can also occur during activities that did not previously cause you to feel breathless, such as climbing stairs or taking a short walk.

Fatigue

Another warning sign of heart failure is feeling tired or fatigued. This occurs because your body is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. As a result, you may feel more tired than usual, even after getting enough sleep.

Swelling

If you experience swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, or feet, it could be a sign of heart failure. Swelling happens because fluid builds up in the tissues when the heart is unable to pump effectively.

This is known as edema and should be taken seriously.

Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

If you notice that your heart is beating faster than usual, or in an irregular way, it is a warning sign of heart failure. This happens because the heart is working harder to pump enough blood to the body.

Palpitations, or a feeling of the heart skipping a beat, can also be an indication of a heart problem.

Loss of Appetite

Heart failure can lead to a loss of appetite or a feeling of nausea. This occurs because the digestive system may not be receiving enough blood flow to function properly. As a result, you may not have the desire to eat as much as usual.

Chest Pain

Chest pain can be a warning sign of heart failure, although it is not always present. If you do experience chest pain, it may feel like pressure or a tightness in the chest, and it may come and go.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, as it can indicate a heart attack.

Coughing

A persistent cough, particularly one that produces frothy or pink mucus, can be a sign of heart failure. This happens because fluid can accumulate in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and causing a cough.

Frequent Urination

If you find that you need to urinate more often, particularly at night, it could be a sign of heart failure. This happens because your body may be retaining fluid, so your kidneys produce more urine to compensate.

Sudden Weight Gain

If you suddenly gain weight, often within a few days, it could be a sign of heart failure. This happens because your body is retaining fluid, which can lead to rapid weight gain.

Confusion or Impaired Thinking

People with heart failure may experience confusion or impaired thinking. This occurs because the brain may not be receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. Confusion can be a sign of a serious complication of heart failure and should be addressed immediately.

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs of heart failure, it is important to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve outcomes.

Make sure to also follow a healthy diet and exercise program, take your prescribed medication as directed, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.