Awareness of heart failure symptoms is dangerously low1.
Seeing the signs
Heart failure symptoms can be difficult to spot. This is because they could signify the presence of other conditions not directly related to heart failure, or merely be discounted and attributed to getting older or being out of shape. In fact, a recent survey commissioned by AstraZeneca showed that few people can identify the most common symptoms of heart failure.1
Of those surveyed in our recent study on heart failure awareness,
Awareness of the 3 main symptoms is low
23% Shortness of breath when resting or being active
40% Feeling unusually tired or weak
25% Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or the small of the back
Shortness of breath – this can occur even when not doing strenuous activities and may even be worse when lying down
Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen – caused by a build-up of fluid
Tiredness or fatigue – feeling tired most of the time and finding exercise and physical activities exhausting
Other, less common symptoms may include2,3:
Rapid or irregular heart rate
Lack of appetite and nausea
Persistent coughing or wheezing
Difficulty concentrating or confusion
So, because symptoms may have multiple possible sources, the best thing to do if you experience any, or especially a combination of these symptoms, is to go and have a chat with a doctor so they can assess your symptoms, family history and possibly undergo a few tests to see if you are at risk.
Know what to look out for with the symptoms of heart failure
References
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