Heart Failure: 5 Early Symptoms That Are Easy to Miss

You may not feel pain, but that doesn’t mean your heart is healthy. Chronic fatigue? Shortness of breath after a few steps? Evening swelling? We often attribute these symptoms to fatigue, age or stress, although they can be the first signals of heart failure. Check if these signs are familiar to you!

Shortness of breath even with light exertion

Hard to breathe after a few steps? Often short of breath even at rest?

• Why does this happen? A weak heart cannot pump blood effectively, and the lungs do not receive enough oxygen. This causes shortness of breath during physical exertion or even in a horizontal position.
• What to do? If you find it difficult to breathe for no apparent reason, this may be a signal to check your heart function.

Swelling of the legs and feet

Do your legs “fill up” by the end of the day? Do your shoes seem tighter than usual?

• Why does this happen? In heart failure, the body retains fluid, which causes swelling in the legs, ankles, and sometimes the abdomen.
• What to watch out for? Swelling that doesn’t go away after rest Feeling of heaviness in the legs, visible traces of socks

What not to do? Ignore or explain it as “normal fatigue” – check your blood vessels and heart.

Constant fatigue and weakness

Do you feel exhausted even after rest? No strength for usual activities?

• Why does this happen? Fatigue is not always about lack of sleep. When the heart cannot pump enough blood, the body lacks oxygen, and even usual activities – such as climbing stairs or making breakfast in the morning – seem exhausting
• When is this a worrying symptom? If weakness is not related to stress or lack of sleep If even after a weekend or vacation you feel exhausted
• What next? If fatigue has become your norm – it’s time to check your heart.

Rapid heartbeat or arrhythmia

Do you experience sudden heart palpitations or attacks of palpitations?

• Why does this happen? The heart may work unevenly, trying to compensate for insufficient blood circulation.
• What should you notice? The heart “beats in the ears” for no reason Feelings of “failures”, fading, chaotic beats
• What to do? Measure your pulse in a calm state. If such sensations are repeated, this is a good reason to visit a doctor.

Night cough and shortness of breath

Going to bed - and a dry cough appears? Do you feel short of breath?

• Why does this happen? Due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, it becomes harder to breathe, especially in a horizontal position.
• What should you do? Pay attention if coughing attacks occur only at night Try to sleep with your head raised - if it becomes easier, this may be a sign of heart failure
• Don’t delay! If your nighttime cough lasts a long time or is accompanied by shortness of breath, you should discuss this with your cardiologist.

 

💙 The heart doesn’t take days off, and your well-being depends on its work every day. Even if the symptoms seem insignificant, it’s better to get them checked than to ignore them. Take the first step towards a healthy future – sign up for a consultation with experienced cardiologists at the Dokos Medical MC now!

Self-medication can be harmful to your health.