Six overlooked signs of heart failure revealed
Experts draw attention to the hidden daily warnings of heart failure, which are often ignored and mistaken for fatigue and aging.
Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gülay Gök stated that although heart failure is common in society, its symptoms are often dismissed as a normal part of daily life or as aging, and shared six important signals to watch out for.
Difficulty climbing stairs
Getting short of breath after climbing just a few steps during the day or needing to rest frequently while walking can be an important sign that the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Shortness of breath that increases at night
It is a condition that should be evaluated for heart failure if individuals who previously slept comfortably with a single pillow need two or more pillows over time, or if they wake up at night with shortness of breath.
Swelling in the ankles
Swelling may occur in the legs and ankles due to fluid accumulation in the body; shoes that were previously comfortable feeling tight on the feet is also among the indicators of this situation.
Unexplained rapid weight gain
Experiencing a noticeable increase in weight in a short time despite no changes in diet must be taken into consideration, as it may indicate fluid accumulation in the body.
Underlying risk factors
Heart failure is not only caused by previous heart attacks; high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, rhythm disorders, and obesity can also lead to this condition.
Early diagnosis and evaluation
Recognizing symptoms in the early stages slows down the progression of the disease; therefore, complaints such as fatigue and getting tired easily should not be attributed to age, and an expert cardiology evaluation should be performed.