Cardiologist shares top five warning signs of heart failure everyone should know
20.01.2024 - 16:17
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Cardiovascular disease is rife in the UK, and it's estimated that it could be the cause of death for all people throughout the country.
The term refers to a number of different conditions - one of which is heart failure, which is when the heart isn't strong enough to pump blood around your body.
Heart failure can get worse and worse over time, but by spotting the signs early, you can make the relevant lifestyle changes needed to lessen the impacts.
The Express reports that in some more serious cases, surgery could be needed, as well as potentially lifesaving devices such as pacemakers.
To help you spot the signs, London-based cardiologist Doctor Hafiz Naderi has shared a YouTube video detailing the top five warning symptoms of heart failure to be aware of.
According to Dr Naderi this is the “number one biggest symptom”.
“Remember in heart failure, your heart can’t keep up with your body’s requirements,” he said. “So, when you exert yourself, your heart essentially tells your body, ‘I can’t keep up’, so you feel this as being breathless.”
This sensation might be worse when you are lying flat, so it can help to use a few extra pillows in bed if you're experiencing this symptom.
Swelling, or oedema, is most common in areas such as the ankles. Dr Naderi said: “This again is due to the build-up of fluid due to the inadequate pumping action of the failing heart.
“I often hear patients report that the swelling is worse as the day progresses and is better when they wake up in the morning.
“That’s just due to the effects of gravity pushing the fluid to your extremities throughout the day.”
This is again linked to fluid build-up in the body. “In heart failure management we often ask patients to tell us their dry weight, meaning their