5 Early Signs of a Weak Heart
Heart disease gets a lot of attention and rightfully so. Described as the engine room of the human body, it’s a vital organ responsible for various key bodily functions. Just like the engine of a vehicle can show early signs of wear and tear, your body can also signal you when your heart muscle is no longer as strong. It’s important to know what these early signs of a weak heart are so that you can take the right course of action.
This right course of action can often include exercises and physical therapy for cardiac issues. A trained therapist will be able to educate you more as well as show you the right ways.
Early signs of a weak heart
From swollen ankles and legs right up to a pain in the chest, there are various signs and underlying causes that can point to a weak heart. A person doesn’t need to display all of the signs, but here are five of the most common ones best not to be left ignored.
1. Fatigue and weakness
Your heart is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. You need this oxygen to have enough energy to complete your daily activities. If you find yourself feeling tired when trying to do normal activities, like undressing, it could be one of the early signs of a weak heart.
2. Shortness of breath
Along with a general feeling of tiredness, shortness of breath, in particular when you’re lying down, can be another early sign of a weak heart. The fluid in your lungs makes the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen more challenging. When you’re lying down, the fluid below the lungs can also travel up, complicating the matter further.
3. Need to urinate at night
Strange as it might sound, there can also be a connection between frequent urination at night (formally called nocturia) and the strength of your heart. The reason for this is that your kidneys can produce more urine in response to the excess fluid buildup linked to a weak heart. This typically occurs when you’re trying to sleep because the lying position makes it easier for your kidneys to function. This condition can also be an early sign of a weak heart.
4. Persistent cough
Your lungs and heart are connected in more ways than one. Not only does your heart ensure the oxygen you breathe in reaches the different organs, but it also helps to regulate fluids.
As mentioned earlier, a weak heart can cause fluid to back up in the lungs. To help get rid of this extra fluid, you can experience a persistent cough. Also, when this happens, you can develop pulmonary edema, which can become a life-threatening condition.
5. Dizziness or fainting
Another potential side effect of your heart not pumping enough oxygen-rich blood is that you can experience dizziness. This condition can lead to a reduced blood flow to the brain.
Along with feeling dizzy, you might also faint. This early sign of a weak heart should definitely not be ignored. It can potentially be serious and, as such, it’s best to get checked out by a medical practitioner straight away.
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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