Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms in Buffalo, NY

During heart failure, the heart struggles to pump blood throughout the body properly and efficiently. Because the heart if having to work extra hard, the body protects itself by diverting blood away from less-crucial areas (such as certain muscle groups in the arms and legs). By doing this, it allows blood stores to be sent to the most important areas, such as the heart, kidneys, and brain.

With the body having to work so hard to distribute blood and oxygen properly, those with heart failure often feel consistently exhausted and very lethargic. This can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as working, doing chores, or even walking. This feeling of perpetual tiredness is known as ‘heart failure fatigue’.

Heart failure begins for different people in different ways. The most common cause of heart failure is when the heart sustains damage, usually from a heart attack or progressive coronary artery disease. It can also be caused by untreated and/or undiagnosed high blood pressure, which is why it’s important to get your blood pressure tested regularly – at least once a year.

Less common causes of heart failure are:

– Arrhythmias.
– Coinciding medical conditions.
– Congenital heart disease
– Having a heart valve that doesn’t work properly.
– Having a heart valve that is too narrow or is leaking. 
– Heart muscle disease.
– Infection that causes heart inflammation.

There are many symptoms associated with heart failure and which one will be experienced first will vary from person to person. Symptoms are caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood and deliver oxygen properly, hindering the body’s ability to function optimally. 

The most common signs and symptoms of heart failure that you should be mindful of are:

– Chronic coughing.
– Chronic fatigue.
– Chronic wheezing.
– Impaired cognitive abilities.
– Irregular heartbeat.
– Lack of Appetite.
– Memory deterioration. 
– Nausea.
– Rapid weight gain as a result of fluid buildup.
– Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
– Swelling in the body, especially the arms, legs, and abdomen (edema).

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your primary care physician as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in helping to maintain your quality of life and ensures that your condition continues to be manageable over time.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for heart failure at this point in time. However, early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, medication, device implants, and surgery can help you prolong your lifespan and maintain your normal and healthy life for as long as possible.

Your life expectancy when diagnosed with heart failure will depend on your condition’s severity and any other underlying medical conditions that you may have. This can be anywhere from 5-20 years following your diagnosis; however, this is only an estimate and will vary from person to person.

At Sterling Health Care, our team of heart specialists are passionate about helping you manage your heart failure so that you can live your best and most fulfilled life. For more information about our services or our licenced team, connect with us today. Or, if you’re ready to see a specialist, book in for an appointment online at your earliest convenience. 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.