- Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to other organs.
- According to one report, early, subtle symptoms of heart failure may be “provocateurs” of “imminent death.”
- The American Heart Association states that symptoms include an upset stomach and insomnia.
According to a report from the American Heart Association (AHA), heart failure can cause early, subtle symptoms that can be a “precursor” of worsening of the disease and “imminent death.”
The report, published Thursday in the medical journal Circulation, outlines the symptoms of heart failure as well as the latest knowledge about other heart diseases, including stroke.
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to other organs and can be fatal. Heart failure usually cannot be cured, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early treatment can help people live longer and better quality of life. Treatment includes medications, physical activity, and reducing salt in the diet.
According to the CDC, approximately 6.2 million American adults have heart failure.
Cigarette smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, insufficient physical activity, and a poor diet—one that is too high in salt, fat, or cholesterol—all increase the risk of heart failure. Medical conditions such as heart disease, previous heart attacks, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes also increase your risk of getting it.
Heart failure most often causes breathlessness
The report said breathlessness is a “hallmark” feature of heart failure. The AHA said that severe breathing problems are associated with an increased risk of death.
Other health conditions that cause breathing problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), can occur with heart failure, the report said.
Other common symptoms of heart failure include: feeling generally tired, and swelling in the feet, legs, or ankles, according to the CDC.
The AHA report noted that fatigue was the most “troubling” hallmark feature of heart failure.
Early symptoms of heart failure include nausea.
The report states that early symptoms of heart failure can include: upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Muscle wasting as a result of heart failure may indicate that the disease is progressing to more advanced stages, it said.
The AHA said: “Early and subtle symptoms may also be a precursor to worsening HF and impending hospitalization or death.”
Other symptoms of heart failure include insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
The review found that 25% to 30% of adults with heart failure reported mood disturbances – mostly depression and anxiety – as well as insomnia.
Heart failure causes insomnia for a number of reasons. First, people with heart failure often have shortness of breath when lying flat. Secondly, a side effect of heart failure medications that cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, causing breathlessness, and swelling of the lower extremities, can cause people to urinate more at night.
women Stomach upset more likely to occur with heart failure
Women with heart failure are more likely than men to report: nausea, heartburn, stomach upset, sweating, bloating, pain, depression, anxiety and lower quality of life, the report said.
The AHA noted that heart failure is diagnosed at a later age in women, and women may have more concurrent diseases, which may partly explain these differences.
(This story has not been edited by seemayo staff and is published from a rss feed)