{"id":2826,"date":"2019-01-17T04:49:39","date_gmt":"2019-01-17T04:49:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=2826"},"modified":"2021-03-22T16:24:35","modified_gmt":"2021-03-22T16:24:35","slug":"13-congestive-heart-failure-symptoms-to-be-aware-of","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/13-congestive-heart-failure-symptoms-to-be-aware-of\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms to Be Aware Of"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If there was something wrong with your heart would you even know it? Not every heart issue comes with clear warning signs. Not everyone who has a heart issue has an alarming sharp pain in their chest and falls to the floor as you see in the movies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some symptoms of heart disease that do not even happen in the chest. It is not always easy to even know what is going on. A good rule of thumb is that if you are not sure what is going on, go to the doctor and have it checked out. If you are over the age of 60, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or are overweight, going to the doctor regularly is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many symptoms that you may be experiencing that could be a sign of heart failure. This is why seeking medical attention right away is so important. Here are 8 congestive heart failure symptoms that you should be aware of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Chest Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to any issues with the heart, chest pain must be mentioned. While this is a symptom that is quite bothersome and can be quite scary, it may not be as bad as it may feel. However, a person that is suffering from congestive heart failure may experience chest discomfort or pain<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many vital blood vessels and organs located in the chest, so if you are having chest pain it can be a sign that there is something really wrong. Angina, which is a restriction of the blood vessels that lead to the heart can cause a person to experience chest pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are having any type of chest discomfort it is important to make sure that you seek medical attention right away in order to determine the underlying cause. If the pain is caused by congestive heart failure, treatment needs to be started as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Nausea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person is feeling emotional or physical stress, it is common to feel sick to our stomachs<\/a>. In fact, if you become extremely stressed you may even actually vomit. Nausea is often a sign of the body being under some type of trauma. However, it can also be caused by something milder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since an issue with the heart can be a considerable trauma, it is no real surprise that nausea can be a symptom when something is wrong with the heart. Women are more likely to report being nauseous or having an upset stomach when they suffer from congestive heart failure or a heart attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, an upset stomach can occur for numerous reasons that do not have anything to do with the heart. However, it is important to note that it is a symptom of heart failure or a heart attack, so if you are experiencing an upset stomach along with other symptoms, go to your doctor right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Shoulder and Arm Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another symptom of congestive heart failure <\/a>is pain that radiates throughout the left side of the body. This pain almost always will start in the chest area and then move outward. However, there are some people who do not experience any type of chest pain, but instead, have pain that radiates throughout their left arm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain may also be in the neck and the shoulder. Unexplained pain in the arm can be a sign of congestive heart failure and is a symptom that should not be ignored. This symptom may also show up as an overall weakness in the arms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you try to lift your arms over your head and find that you simply cannot keep them up, or if you are feeling weak all over along with pain in your arms and chest, seek medical attention right away as this could be a sign that your heart is failing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Dizziness or Lightheadedness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone feels dizzy <\/a>or lightheaded on occasion. In fact, feeling lightheaded is quite common. Being lightheaded can result from many different things. Simply getting up to fast or not eating can cause a person to become dizzy. However, there are times when becoming light-headed may be the sign of something that is not right in the body and when this occurs you should really go see a doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling lightheaded is one of the symptoms of congestive heart failure. In addition, other causes for lightheadedness or dizziness aside from congestive heart failure include angina, as well as many other illnesses. This is why it is important to take this symptom seriously and to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think it is something serious. If you are experiencing dizziness or becoming lightheaded for no reason, it is important to see your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Jaw or Throat Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not everyone realizes just how interconnected the human body really is. Every part of the body is connected in some way or another. There are blood vessels<\/a> and nerves intertwined throughout the body. If there is a complication in one area of the body symptoms of the issue can easily be felt in other areas of the body as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are having jaw or throat pain by itself it is not necessarily related to the heart. Most of the time this type of pain is caused by a cold, sinus issue, or a muscular issue. However, if you are having pressure or pain in the center of your chest that spreads into the throat or the jaw, it could be a sign of congestive heart failure. It is important to take this very seriously and call 911 right away. The sooner treatment is started the better off you will be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Exhaustion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you suddenly start feeling extremely tired or get winded after doing a chore or something that you used to have no issues doing in the past such as carrying groceries in from the car or climbing the stairs, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of significant change is important. In fact, it is more important than all of the little aches and pains that you may be feeling. Unexplained weakness or extreme exhaustion, which may last for days at a time could be a sign that there is something wrong with the heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially true for women, who experience different symptoms of a heart attack than men in most cases. If you are suffering from severe fatigue <\/a>and are feeling weak, make sure that you make an appointment with your doctor right away in order to determine the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Snoring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you sleep it is normal to snore a bit. Almost everyone snores some when they are sleeping soundly. However, loud snoring that sounds like the person is choking or gasping is a sign of sleep apnea<\/a>. Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for a few brief moments each night while sleeping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep apnea puts extra strain on the heart because it causes a lack of oxygen in the body. The heart needs oxygen in order to pump blood and keep the body running properly. If you are having issues during your sleep and have been told that you gasp for air during your sleep it is important to discuss it with your doctor as it could be a sign of something wrong with your heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor may order a sleep study in order to see if you have sleep apnea. If you do have sleep apnea you may need a CPAP machine to wear while you sleep to help you breathe.
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Breaking out in a cold sweat for no obvious reason could signal a heart attack. If this happens along with any of these other symptoms, call 911 to get to a hospital right away. Don\u2019t try to drive yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Sweating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is actually quite normal to sweat. The body sweats as a way to regulate body temperature<\/a>. In addition, sweat can be used to rid the body of toxins. However, excessive sweating is not normal and if you break out into a cold sweat for no apparent reason it could be a sign of congestive heart failure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you start sweating for no reason it is important to try to stay as calm as you can. This can be difficult as you are likely experiencing chest or arm pain during this time as well. Staying calm can help reduce the symptoms in some cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The excessive sweating combined with any of the symptoms listed above can be a sign of congestive heart failure and you need to seek medical attention right away. If you suddenly become weak, have chest pain, and break out into a cold sweat it is important to get to an emergency room as fast as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Shortness of Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Also referred to by its medical term, \u201cdyspnea,\u201d shortness of breath is one of the more common signs of imminent congestive heart failure. The respiratory system<\/a> relies on the cardiovascular system to supply it with blood flow. When flow rates drop, the blood does not receive sufficient amounts of oxygen to fuel metabolic processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the patient may find that they struggle walking up a flight of stairs, or they find that they can\u2019t catch their breath after exerting themselves. Shortness of breath can occur due to a variety of cardiovascular diseases or disorders. However, when the symptoms arise alongside chest pain, then the patient should seek immediate medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the emergency room and tell a doctor about your symptoms. The physician will make their diagnosis and recommend treatment based on the severity of your condition. Typically, patients who are on the brink of congestive heart failure require immediate admission, and in most cases, the doctors may perform emergency surgery to save the patient\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Edema<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Edema <\/a>is the medical term for swelling. Edema can occur anywhere in the body, and it has different effects on your health, depending on the location and severity of the swelling. Pulmonary edema is one of the most severe forms of the condition, and it occurs when too much fluid builds in the chest cavity. This swelling places pressure on the heart, causing changes to heart rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, patients with congestive heart failure often experience edema in the lower limbs before the onset of congestive heart failure. The patient may notice that their thighs, calves, and ankles swell to an abnormal size. This edema occurs as fluid builds up in the lower limbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the heart cannot function properly, it results in lower circulation and the buildup of fluids in the limbs. Should the edema escalate quickly, then the patient may experience the swelling and fluid spread to the lungs, causing the onset of pulmonary edema. If left untreated, patients with heart failure on the right side of the heart may experience edema in their abdomen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Changes in Heart Rhythm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients may notice changes in their heart rhythm, leading up to congestive heart failure. The most common cardiovascular symptoms reported include changes in your heart rhythm, where it may flutter, or pause of a break in-between beats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This symptom can be chilling for patients to experience, as they may experience a sudden stopping of their heart before it beats again. As a result of the irregularity, the patient may start to develop anxiety <\/a>that may lead to a panic attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In cases of congestive heart failure, the patient experiences the stiffening of the ventricles, preventing them from filling between heartbeats.  The condition may continue to develop until the ventricles dilate to a point where they can no longer contain the pressure, forcing the heart to stop pumping. As a result, the patient experiences the onset of congestive heart failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These changes in heart rhythm start slowly and increase over a period of months or years as the condition progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Persistent Cough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with congestive heart failure may notice a close relationship between the heart and lungs and the way they handle the effects of the condition. Most patients who develop congestive heart failure also experience the occurrence of respiratory symptoms alongside. Shortness of breath is one of the more common respiratory signs of the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, other breathing problems, such as wheezing and the development of a persistent cough<\/a>, are also common in cases of congestive heart failure. In most cases, the cough develops without any other signs of infection \u2013 like those you might expect to see in the case of a bacterial lung infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may notice a buildup of more phlegm in their chest, and they may also see their sputum develops a light pinkish tone when spitting up phlegm. If the patient notices this change in color, they should seek immediate medical attention.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Increase in Urination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Congestive heart failure also affects the renal system. The renal system is part of your body\u2019s filtration unit, with the kidneys being the primary organ involved. The kidneys remove toxins and proteins <\/a>from the blood, ensuring that your blood remains healthy and able to carry oxygen throughout the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, patients with congestive heart failure symptoms may find that they start to experience an increase in urination at night. The increase in urination occurs due to the inefficient circulatory capacity of the heart, resulting in accumulation of toxins in the kidneys that leads to the failure of the organ. This symptom is also an eminent sign of congestive heart failure, and the patient should seek immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated and unmanaged, the patient may experience renal failure in the moments before the congestive heart failure event occurs. Should the patient experience this complication, it makes it harder for doctors to save the patient\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Cognitive Disruption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Disruption in the function of the circulatory system affects every biological system in the body, including the brain. The brain relies on fresh oxygenated blood delivered by the circulatory system to maintain its cognitive capacity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the patient starts receiving less oxygen to brain cells, due to the development of congestive heart failure, they may experience difficulties with cognitive functions. As a result, the patient finds that they develop \u201cbrain fog,\u201d a condition where they can\u2019t seem to think clearly, and they have trouble holding their focus and concentration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the patient may seem lost or out-of-touch with their usual self. While brain fog<\/a> is not a single symptom of congestive heart failure, it should be taken into account if the patient has a history of cardiovascular issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cognitive symptoms occur in the days or hours before the cardiac event. The patient should take any combination of the symptoms listed in this article as a severe warning sign that a heart attack is imminent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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