5 Warning Signs of Heart Failure
Did you know that around 30 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of heart disease? That adds up to a whopping one-tenth who are constantly in danger of heart failure.
If you have a history of heart disease in your family, your doctor may tell you to watch out for it. Have you ever wondered about the warning signs of heart failure? Here are some key symptoms to look for when you monitor your heart health.
1. Shortness of Breath
When you do not have enough oxygen in your blood, your lungs will also take a hit as well as your heart health. The heart pumps carbon dioxide out and fresh oxygen into your bloodstream.
In addition, you may feel like you cannot catch your breath when you lie down. This is because fluid buildup will travel into your lungs and cause even more shortness of breath.
2. Tiredness and Fatigue
Lack of oxygen in your blood will make you feel unnaturally tired. You may feel like you are always tired, even if you get the recommended amount of sleep for healthy living.
Try to get outside and get some fresh air to help coax more oxygen into your lungs and into your bloodstream.
3. Lung Buildup
When you have excess fluid that your heart can’t pump, it will eventually build up in your lungs. As a result, you may suffer from wet coughing or wheezing.
Congestion symptoms may be similar to a common cold, but they can get worse as your heart health declines. If it becomes serious enough, your doctor may need to remove the fluid that builds up around the heart.
4. Fluid in Ankles
Surprisingly, fluid buildup in your ankles can be a huge sign of heart failure in adults. This is because the heart is not functioning at full power. Therefore, it can’t push fluid back up from your legs and ankles.
If you notice edema in your ankles, you may want to ask your doctor about compression socks or another over-the-counter solution. This can help you feel more comfortable when managing your heart failure symptoms.
5. Less Mobility
For both heart failure in adults and heart failure in teenagers, limited mobility is a classic symptom. When you do not get enough oxygen, you have trouble doing your day-to-day activities.
You may find yourself sitting or lying down much more often and avoiding physical activity. Make sure to take it easy and only perform actions that you can handle.
Know These Warning Signs of Heart Failure
If you have a history of heart disease or you simply want to track your health, it is important that you monitor your heart. With these warning signs of heart failure, you can know what to look for before it is too late.
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