Emergency Heart Failure Symptoms

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Posted By Jenis Shah

Emergency Heart Failure Symptoms

1. Chest discomfort : chest discomfort like heaviness or tightness or suffocation in the center of chest or on left side of chest or on both sides of chest can be because of heart attack

2. Chest discomfort spreading to other parts of body - chest discomfort spreading to left shoulder, both shoulders, left arm, both arms, upper back, or neck can be due to heart emergency 

3. Isolated jaw pain or throat pain - jaw pain or throat pain while walking or after meals which is relieved after rest can mimic like a dental or throat problem but it can be because of heart blockages  

4. Chest pain associated with profuse sweating and shortness of breath - chest pain with profuse sweating with or without breathing difficulty is a classical presentation of a heart attack

5. Sudden profuse sweating and extreme weakness - in silent attack there is no chest pain. Only symptom in these patients are sudden profuse sweating, shortness of breath or sudden generalized weakness. Silent attack is seen in elderly females, diabetics, obese patients

 

6. Shortness of breath at rest or on minimal exertion - if patient is breathless at rest or on minimal exertion like day to day activity then it is a cardiac emergency

7. Breathing difficulty or suffocation or coughing on lying down - patients with advance heart failure complain of breathing difficulty or coughing when the go to bed and lie down, they need to get up to feel better or sleep with 2-3 pillows under their head or sleep in half sitting position.

8. Rapid weight gain - in patient with weak heart or in those with history of heart failure, rapid weight gain is a sign of impending heart failure

9. Decreased urine output - in heart patients particularly those with history of heart failure, decreased urine is an indication of impaired kidney function which may require urgent review and change of medications/dosage

10. Giddiness / lightheadedness - this can happen due to disturbance in the electrical system of the heart and may also happen due to medication overdose or dehydration. Whatever is the reason it needs you to consult your doctor

11. Sudden transient loss of consciousness - again this can be due to disturbance in the electrical system of the heart or may be due to dehydration or vasovagal reflex. In patients with pre existing heart disease this can be very serious and needs immediate attention

12. Abnormal rhythm - if you notice an abnormal heart rhythm like too low (less than 40) or too fast (more than 150) or irregular beats with or without symptoms you should inform your doctor 

 

So now since you know what are the symptoms of heart emergency I request you to never ignore any of these symptoms in you or in your near and dear ones. If you seek advice early most of these conditions are treatable with good outcome but if you ignore it can be life threatening.