Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms That Sneak Up on You

Almost 7 million people over 20 have congestive heart failure in the United States, and it’s responsible for nearly 15% of all deaths. Getting a diagnosis early and following a treatment plan closely can help you live longer. 

At Heart & Vascular Institute, with six Michigan locations, our specialists sometimes see patients with no idea they have heart failure. The symptoms can be sneaky because they’re subtle or seem like typical issues.

The combination of your medical history, risk factors, and symptoms can help you distinguish typical issues from concerning symptoms. 

The basics of heart failure

Congestive heart failure, or just heart failure, is a condition where your heart can’t adequately supply the rest of your body with oxygenated blood. The problem may be with how much blood your heart can hold or how hard your heart can pump. 

In either case, the symptoms are similar, and over time, the damage can become severe. Understanding your risk factors can help you recognize symptoms. 

Risks of heart failure

If you have certain other conditions, your risk of heart failure is significantly higher. Conditions associated with heart failure include: 

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes
• Coronary artery disease
• Arrhythmia
• Cancer
• Heart valve disease

You also have a higher risk if there’s a family history of heart disease. Lifestyle factors can also make heart failure more likely, including: 

• Smoking
• Lack of physical activity
• Poor dietary habits
• Excess alcohol consumption

Being older than 65 increases your risk, and your ethnicity could make heart failure more likely. Some risk factors can’t be changed, but understanding your risk profile and the signs of heart failure means you can make healthy lifestyle changes and seek help if you notice symptoms. 

Heart failure symptoms

Early symptoms of heart failure can be easy to miss, including: 

Shortness of breath

Even athletes can be out of breath after climbing a flight of stairs, but if you’re short of breath at times you wouldn’t typically be, it could be a symptom to watch. Shortness of breath is usually one of the first symptoms to develop if you have heart failure. 

Fatigue

In the busy modern world, seemingly everyone is tired. But if you’re fatigued even after getting enough rest, it could indicate heart failure. Fatigue is a symptom of many conditions, but if you have a high risk of heart failure and other symptoms, tell your doctor. 

Swelling and weight gain

When you have heart failure, you tend to retain fluid. It’s typically most noticeable in your ankles, lower legs, or abdomen. That can be easy to miss, however, especially if you’re often on your feet or think you’re just gaining a little weight. 

Frequent urination

It’s easy to blame the increased need to urinate on getting older, but if you’re peeing more often and have other heart failure symptoms or a high risk profile, discuss it with your doctor. 

Get assessed 

With heart failure, the earlier you’re diagnosed, the more likely treatment can improve how you feel and how long you live. 

Our experts are happy to discuss your risk profile, answer your questions, and suggest lifestyle changes that can help you avoid heart failure or manage it to preserve your quality of life. 

Even if you haven’t noticed symptoms that may be related to heart failure, but you have a condition that increases your risk or a family history of heart issues, consider a visit.

Schedule an appointment by phone or online today at a Heart & Vascular Institute location near you.