The heart performs several critical functions in the human body. However, certain diseases can cause the organ to fail and work less efficiently. Chest pain is usually the most well-known indicator when that happens. However, there can be several other symptoms as well. This article lists four signs your heart is failing, followed by additional indicators to look for. Individuals who experience these must visit a doctor to find out the cause.

Four primary congestive heart failure symptoms

Extreme exhaustion
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, can lead to extreme fatigue. It mainly occurs when the organ finds it hard to pump blood efficiently and overworks. Fatigue could also be due to a valve blockage. The organ has four valves, and blood circulation gets affected if any of them gets blocked. Such a condition can be classified as valvular heart disease. But note that exhaustion can also be due to other less-severe health conditions, like the common cold and flu or stress. If a person cannot identify the cause, and if fatigue persists, they should consult a doctor.

Shortness of breath
Many factors can lead to breathing difficulties, such as lack of physical fitness and an allergic reaction. However, it is also among the four primary signs your heart is failing. One way to find out is to perform some physical activity. It is a strong indicator if the person struggles to breathe while climbing a few stars or walking a short distance. Breathing problems could indicate valvular heart disease and coronary artery disease. In most cases, it is accompanied by chest discomforts, including heaviness, pressure, tightness, or squeezing. However, chest pain is among the rarer heart failure symptoms in women.

Digestive issues
It is a common sign of coronary artery disease, where the coronary arteries that transport oxygenated blood to the heart get blocked. The digestive system may not receive enough oxygen, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Those experiencing these may not immediately think of the worst. However, if the signs persist and stomach pain, vomiting, lightheadedness, and cold sweat also occur, it is advisable to contact a doctor. These are among the few signs your heart is failing.

Sleep problems
Heart failure can affect sleep in multiple ways. For instance, it does not function properly, making one feel uneasy and waking them up in the middle of the night. It can also cause snoring and sleep apnea, where the brain does not give the body signals to breathe while asleep. Further, a lack of good quality sleep can add to exhaustion. So, it is best to go for a checkup on struggling with sleep-related issues.

Other congestive heart failure symptoms
There are several other indicators besides those already mentioned. The ones discussed below are a bit more common in many other health conditions:

Low physical capacity
Patients often become physically weak. It could be a side effect of poor sleep, breathing difficulty, and other factors. Due to weakness, one may find it hard to do things like moving furniture or lifting.

Swelling
Individuals may notice swelling in different body parts, especially the feet, ankles, and legs. It should not be ignored if noticeable and persistent. The swelling is mainly because of excess fluid accumulation in the tissues.

Change in heart rate and rhythm
Palpitation or an unusual change of heartbeat is another well-known indicator. An increased pulse rate after running or drinking coffee is okay. But it is concerning when it suddenly races even while at rest.

Leg cramping
It is one of those signs that can repeatedly be ignored. Cramping happens due to various reasons but also because of blood circulation issues caused by a failing heart. It can affect the legs, hands, and feet.

Body pain
Besides the chest, one may experience pain in other body parts, especially the jaw, abdomen, back, neck, arm, and shoulders.

Heart failure symptoms in women
While women can experience all the signs listed above, they are more likely to exhibit those unrelated to chest pain. These include unusual fatigue, dizziness, sweating, nausea, pain in the arms, and abdominal pain. Another difference is that women may not experience these continuously but only while asleep or resting, making it harder to diagnose.

Knowing the four signs of a failing heart mentioned above and the other indicators makes identifying and preventing an attack easier. It is advisable to contact a doctor without delay if the signs are severe and continuous. One way to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases is to eat healthy foods and follow an active lifestyle.