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Heart Failure Symptoms: Also known as congestive heart failure, this is a health condition which develops when the heart doesn't pump enough blood for the body's needs. This can happen if the heart can't fill up with enough blood. It can also happen when the heart is too weak to pump properly. The heart is the most delicate organ of the body and needs extra care as we age. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), heart failure can develop suddenly or over time as your heart gets weaker. It can affect one or both sides of your heart. Left-sided and right-sided heart failure may have different causes.

According to NIH, the burden of HF in India appears high, and estimates of prevalence range from 1.3 million to 4.6 million, with an annual incidence of 4,91,600 to 1.8 million. With such statistics, it is extremely crucial to identify the symptoms and seek medical help.

Watch the video below to know how to prevent heart failures: 

While explaining about heart failure, Dr Dheeraj Kumar Gandotra, Additional, Director, Cardiology, Fortis Gurugram said that while common symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swollen ankles are well-known, several unusual signs of heart failure often go unnoticed. It is crucial to recognise those symptoms for early detection and timely medical intervention, which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

1. Persistent Cough

A chronic cough that lingers for weeks or months, especially when lying down, can be a subtle sign of heart failure. The buildup of fluid in the lungs due to a weakened heart can trigger a persistent cough that may be mistakenly attributed to respiratory infections.

2. Loss Of Appetite and Nausea

Unexplained loss of appetite and recurring nausea can be indicative of heart failure. As the heart's pumping efficiency declines, the digestive system receives reduced blood flow, leading to symptoms like nausea, abdominal discomfort, and loss of interest in food.

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3. Sudden Weight Gain

Rapid and unexplained weight gain of more than two pounds in a day or five pounds in a week can signal fluid retention, a classic symptom of heart failure. The body may accumulate excess fluid in tissues due to the heart's inability to effectively pump blood.

4. Increased Urination At Night

Frequent urination at night (nocturia) could be an unusual symptom of heart failure. When lying down, the accumulated fluid in the lower extremities returns to the bloodstream, overloading the kidneys and causing increased urine production during sleep.

5. Confusion and Impaired Thinking

Heart failure can impair brain function due to reduced blood flow to the brain. Patients may experience confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or a general sense of mental fogginess.

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