The Early Signs of Heart Failure

Heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood the way your body needs. The danger lies in how easy it is to ignore the early signs. Many of them blend into daily life, which delays care and raises risk.

Knowing what to watch for helps you act faster, and speed matters. Here are the signs to pay attention to.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is a key sign of heart failure. You may feel winded during simple activities or struggle to breathe while lying flat. Some people wake up at night feeling like air is hard to come by.

Holding On to Fluid

Swelling is another sign to look for. Feet, ankles, legs, or the belly can puff up as fluid builds. Shoes feel tight and socks leave deep marks.

Rapid weight gain can appear too, even when you're not eating differently than normal. This weight comes from fluid, not food, and it signals strain on the heart.

A Lack of Energy and Focus

Heart failure often drains your energy. You feel worn down after everyday tasks and rest does not fix it.

Along with fatigue, brain fog can creep in. Trouble focusing, feeling confused, or forgetting small things can happen less blood reaches the brain.

This mental slowdown affects work, conversations, and your confidence. These signs are easy to brush off as just feeling tired, but they're worth bringing up to your doctor.

Breathing and Eating Changes

A cough that lingers, especially at night, can point to heart failure. It may bring up white or pink mucusa nd often gets blamed on allergies or a cold.

Appetite changes matter, too. You may feel full quickly, lose interest in food, or feel nauseated. When fluid backs up around the stomach and liver, eating becomes uncomfortable and meals may lose their appeal.

Take Action While You Have Time

If these signs sound familiar, treat them as urgent. Write them down and contact your primary care provider. Early care can slow heart failure and improve how you feel day to day.

Our cardiologist, Dr. Mark Matthews, sees patients at our main hospital campus through physician referrals. If you are looking for a primary care provider, Stephens County Hospital Physician Group - Primary Care is accepting new patients. Call 706-282-5840 to schedule an appointment.