First symptoms of heart failure

Dr. Nikolov, cardiologist at MC Heilan Care 3, gr. Sofia gives guidelines for recognizing the first symptoms of heart failure and when you should seek medical attention.

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Book an appointment for an examination at MC Heylan or request a home visit from Dr. Nikolov on tel. 0893 02 02 02 or on Dr. Pavel Nikolov | Heilan (haelan.bg).

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Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. Early recognition of symptoms and timely seeking medical attention can significantly improve the quality of life and prevent severe complications.

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First symptoms of heart failure:

1.Shortness of breath

It can appear both during physical activity and at rest, or even at night when you are lying down. Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of heart failure.

2.Fatigue and weakness

Feeling extremely tired and lacking energy, even with light activities, is a common sign.

3.Edema (Swelling)

Swelling of the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen is the result of fluid retention in the body.

4.Fast weight gain

Sudden weight gain can be a sign of fluid retention associated with heart failure.

5.Rapid or irregular heartbeat

The heart may beat faster or more irrhythmically than usual.

6.Loss of appetite and nausea

Bloating and fluid retention can lead to a feeling of fullness and loss of appetite.

7.Coughing or wheezing

Prolonged coughing or wheezing, especially when lying down, can be a sign of fluid buildup in the lungs.

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When to seek medical help?

If you notice some of the above symptoms, it is important to consult a cardiologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the prognosis.

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Urgent medical attention should be sought in the following cases:

- Severe shortness of breath that does not improve at rest;

- Chest pain that can spread to the arm, neck or back;

- Severe swelling of the legs or abdomen;

- Rapid or irregular heartbeat, accompanied by a feeling of weakness or fainting;

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What to expect at the doctor's consultation?

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. He will do a physical examination and order various examinations such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, or blood tests to evaluate the function of your heart.

Heart failure is a serious condition, but with timely recognition of symptoms and adequate treatment, you can maintain the quality of your life.

If you have any doubts that you may be suffering from heart failure, do not hesitate to contact one of our qualified cardiologists at

tel. 0893 02 02 02

or

‍Doctors | Heilan (haelan.bg)

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References:

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Heart failure. Mayo Clinic. - https://www.mayoclinic.org

2. American Heart Association. (n.d.). Warning signs of heart failure. - https://www.heart.org

3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). What is heart failure? - https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

4. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Heart failure: Symptoms. - https://my.clevelandclinic.org

5. Web MD. (n.d.). Symptoms of heart failure. - https://www.webmd.com

6. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Heart failure. - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

7. Medline Plus. (n.d.). Heart failure. - https://medlineplus.gov

8. Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Heart failure: When to call the doctor. - https://www.health.harvard.edu

9. American College of Cardiology. (n.d.). Heart failure: Diagnosis and treatment. - https://www.acc.org