Awareness of heart failure symptoms is dangerously low1.
Seeing the signs
Heart failure symptoms can be difficult to spot. This is because they could signify the presence of other conditions not directly related to heart failure, or merely be discounted and attributed to getting older or being out of shape. In fact, a recent survey commissioned by AstraZeneca showed that few people can identify the most common symptoms of heart failure.1
People were asked to select one disease for each symptom from a list of heart failure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke or asthma1,2
Shortness of breath – this can occur even when not doing strenuous activities and may even be worse when lying down
Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen – caused by a build-up of fluid
Tiredness or fatigue – feeling tired most of the time and finding exercise and physical activities exhausting
Other, less common symptoms may include2,3:
Rapid or irregular heart rate
Lack of appetite and nausea
Persistent coughing or wheezing
Difficulty concentrating or confusion
So, because symptoms may have multiple possible sources, the best thing to do if you experience any, or especially a combination of these symptoms, is to go and have a chat with a doctor so they can assess your symptoms, family history and possibly undergo a few tests to see if you are at risk.
Do you think your loved one may have some of these symptoms?
References
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