Cardiologist names 6 signs of heart failure that are easy to miss

Signs of heart problems

Chronic fatigue

If you feel as if your batteries are “dead,” even after a vacation or a good night's sleep, this may be a sign that your heart is unable to deliver oxygen to your tissues.

If this symptom occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor.

“Imagine that the heart is like the engine of your car: even if it works, but something starts knocking or making noise, it's a sign that you need to check it. It's the same with our heart: it sometimes “whispers” about problems, but we often ignore these signals,” the statement says.

Swelling of the feet

If your shoes become tight after a day of work and your feet look like you've spent 10 hours on an airplane, it may mean that your heart is working “at its limit.”

The body does not have time to pump out excess fluid, which is why severe swelling occurs.

Strange cough

A dry and prolonged cough that is not associated with a cold can sometimes be a signal of fluid stagnation in the lungs due to heart failure.

Shortness of breath during light exertion

If you feel out of breath when you go up to the 2nd floor or rush to catch the bus, it can often be more than just poor physical condition.

It is often a symptom of problems with the cardiovascular system and should not be ignored.

Discomfort in the chest or abdomen

Chest pain is a classic symptom. However, if it is only a slight tightness, heaviness, or even pain in the upper abdomen, then the heart sometimes disguises itself as gastritis or heartburn.

Dizziness or fainting

You feel as if you are “blacking out” after a sharp climb. The heart may not be supplying the brain with enough blood.

How to reduce the risk of heart problems

A healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, and following medical advice are key to reducing your risk of heart problems.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Try to incorporate physical activity such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling into your routine. The goal is to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

Importantly, smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is the most important step you can take to improve your heart health.

Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease. Find ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, meditation, yoga), time with loved ones, or seeking professional help if necessary.

Eat a healthy diet

Eat a varied and balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats.

Limit excessive salt intake: Try to reduce the amount of salt in your diet and avoid foods high in sodium.

Consume fewer foods rich in “bad” cholesterol. Instead, choose lean protein sources such as fish, skinless chicken, and legumes.

Earlier, we reported whether contrast showers are really good for health.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.