What Is Heart Failure Fatigue?

Those experiencing heart failure will often feel consistent exhaustion and lethargy which can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as walking, climbing a set of stairs, and exercising. This feeling of persisting tiredness due to the inability of the heart to perform properly is known as ‘heart failure fatigue’.

This condition occurs because less blood can reach the muscles and tissues due to the reduced pumping capacity of the heart. To preserve the functionality of the vital organs (such as the brain, heart, and kidneys), the body diverts blood away from the less vital areas (such as the muscles) which results in chronic fatigue.

During heart failure, the heart is unable to pump out enough blood to meet every function of the body. To compensate for this, the body diverts blood away from less-crucial areas, such as the muscles in the arms and legs, and instead focuses on sending stores to important areas such as the heart, kidneys, and brain.

The result of this is heart failure fatigue – which is the feeling of consistent weakness and lethargy that often makes it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks.

There are many symptoms associated with heart failure. If you’re experiencing any of them, even mildly, then it’s important to consult your doctor as quickly as possible. If you’ve already been diagnosed with heart failure, then regular visits with a cardiac specialist can help you manage and control the symptoms.

The most common signs of heart failure are:

– Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
– Fatigue
– Chronic coughing and/or wheezing
– Irregular heartbeat
– Lack of Appetite
– Nausea
– Impaired cognitive abilities
– Deterioration in memory
– Fluid buildup and swelling in the body (edema)
– Rapid weight gain due to fluid buildup

These symptoms occur due to the heart’s inability to pump blood through the body effectively, hindering the ability of other tissues, muscles, and organs to function optimally.

Heart failure is a serious condition that can’t be cured. However, symptoms, such as fatigue, can often be managed and/or remedied via simple lifestyle changes. This includes:

– Eating a healthy diet. Your doctor should have provided you with guidance for incorporating heart-healthy food choices into your life. Typically, this means consuming more fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, nuts, and legumes while reducing the amount of added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and alcohol.

– Incorporating manageable exercise. It may seem counter-intuitive when you’re struggling with fatigue to expend more energy. However, integrating short periods of exercise, such as stretching or even 5 minutes of walking, can help boost energy levels.

– Napping. If you’re feeling tired, sometimes the best thing you can do is give your body the rest it’s asking for. Little breaks can give your heart a rest, recharge you mentally, and boost your energy levels. Just make sure to limit naps to an hour or you risk throwing your sleep schedule out of alignment.

– Taking mental health breaks. Those with heart failure are often focusing so hard on their physical health that they forget that the mind also needs tending. Mental health breaks, such as yoga, mindfulness, or meditation can help combat stress, anxiety, and depression, and can also aid you in getting a more restful sleep come the end of the day. All of these play a part in feeling less fatigued throughout the day.

– Getting good sleep. A restful sleep helps your body recharge for the next day. Make sure that your mattress is comfortable and supportive, that you stay off your phone before bedtime, and that your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature.

It’s always best to consult with your cardiac doctor first before integrating any new changes into your life, as they’ll be able to guide you through the process effectively and safely.

At Sterling Heart Care, we can help you manage the symptoms of heart failure. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care so that you can reach your heart wellness goals. Contact us today for more information about our services or book an appointment online. We are located at 4330 Maple Rd, Buffalo, NY 14226. We serve patients from Buffalo NY, Pine Hill NY, Sloan NY, Kenmore NY, Cleveland Hill NY, Kaisertown NY, and surrounding areas.