Heart failure is a complex condition that means the heart becomes less able to pump nutrient-rich and freshly oxygenated blood around the body.
That can cause a number of symptoms during exercise or at rest, including:
- Breathlessness
- Feeling breathless when lying flat – and needing to use pillows or sit upright to breathe more comfortably
- Waking suddenly because of breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Swollen ankles.
There are many potential causes of heart failure so a careful physical examination, as well as blood tests, an ECG and an echocardiogram, are important for further assessment.
Many patients experience a significant improvement in quality of life with medication alone though a number of other treatment options may need to be considered as well.
Check out our heart failure page to learn more about this condition: Heart failure & Cardiomyopathy – Connected Cardiology
This article is for reference purposes only – it is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as professional medical advice. Please consult your own medical practitioner for health advice specific to your condition.
Disclaimer:
This article is for reference purposes only – it is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as professional medical advice.
