Heart failure is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that affects approximately 6.2 million adults in the United States. It occurs when the heart muscle is incapable of pumping blood as efficiently as it’s supposed to. Coronary artery disease (the narrowing of the heart arteries caused by plaque buildup) and hypertension (which leaves your heart either too weak or too stiff to pump efficiently) are among the leading causes of heart failure.
The signs and symptoms of heart failure don’t always manifest clearly. Some of them don’t develop in the chest, and they can overlap those of other medical conditions.
So how would you know that your heart is failing?
Here are some of the signs to look out for:
Heart Failure FACES
The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) came up with a handy tool that goes by the FACES acronym, helping doctors and patients quickly recognize the possible manifestations of heart failure. FACES stands for:
F -Fatigue
A general feeling of tiredness or weakness occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body’s demands for energy.
A – Activity limitation
Activity limitation is the direct result of fatigue: because you’re always easily tired, you’re also unable to carry out your normal day-to-day activities.
C – Congestion
This refers to lung congestion, which occurs when there is fluid buildup in the lungs. Symptoms include dry, hacking cough and wheezing.
E- Edema
When your heart is unable to function properly, it is also incapable of transporting used blood back up from the lower extremities. As a result, fluid can build up in your ankles, legs, and thighs.
S – Shortness of breath
Fluid buildup in the lungs, as mentioned, causes congestion and consequently breathing difficulty, especially when you’re lying down. This is because gravity causes the fluid from below your lungs to travel up your torso.
Other Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
Heart failure can either be an acute or a chronic condition and may also produce the following signs and symptoms.
By themselves, they are not necessarily an indication of congestive heart failure; however, they definitely warrant urgent medical attention, especially when accompanied by those mentioned above.
- Decreased mental acuity (difficulty focusing and memory problems)
- Digestive problems (heartburn and stomach pain)
- Heart palpitations and chest pains
- Increased urge to urinate at night
- Nausea and lack of appetite
Cardiovascular Care in South Carolina
At SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, LLC, our board-certified internal medicine doctors have extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the full spectrum of heart conditions, such as heart failure.
We will perform a comprehensive evaluation and, based on the results, devise an effective treatment strategy—which incorporates lifestyle modifications, medications, and the use of cardiac implantable devices or, in some cases, surgery—to effectively manage your condition.
If you’re looking for a primary care doctor to look out for your wellbeing throughout your life, schedule a consultation with one of our internists. Call us at (803) 749-1111 or secure an online appointment.
