In left ventricular heart failure, shortness of breath typically becomes worse with exertion (and improves with rest). Over time, you may notice that your ability to tolerate exercise decreases, and that you become short of breath faster. This may be a sign of worsening heart failure.
Another common symptom of left ventricular heart failure is called “paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea” (PND). PND is when you get a sudden attack of shortness of breath in the middle of the night, that somewhat resembles an asthma attack. These episodes are generally short-lived, but they can be disruptive to sleep and they often go hand-in-hand with the diagnosis of heart failure.
The cough is caused by fluid in the lungs due to the pressure exerted on the lungs from the force of congestion in the heart. Your cough will likely get worse with time. It will not resolve on its own, and it may be exacerbated with exercise.
You may notice your exercise tolerance decreases, followed by a decrease in your energy levels for doing day-to-day tasks around the house. You may find it challenging to walk up stairs, and you may feel tired, weak, and short of breath doing activities (such as walking up stairs) that you previously found easy.
At some point, you may go into something called “decompensated heart failure. " Decompensated heart failure is when your symptoms suddenly get worse, because your heart is no longer able to “compensate” through adaptive changes. If you experience a sudden worsening of your symptoms, it is key to go to the Emergency Room immediately for prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
High blood pressure - this is a risk factor for heart failure. Abnormal heart sounds when your doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope (doctors are trained how to pick up the signs of heart failure this way). A high “JVP” (jugular venous pressure), which is basically when your doctor observes fluid build-up in the veins of your neck, which often goes hand-in-hand with heart failure and similar conditions. Fluid build up in your legs. Crackles in your lungs when your doctor listens with a stethoscope, which may indicate fluid in the lungs (from pulmonary edema).
A blood test can also be used to rule out other conditions that may present similarly to heart failure.
An echocardiogram, which can identify whether the problem is systolic or diastolic. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source A stress test A CT or MRI A coronary angiogram A biopsy of your heart
Increasing your aerobic exercise - speak to your doctor about an exercise plan that is safe for you. Eating a “heart-healthy diet” that is low in salt and fats, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consuming less calories daily - in addition to your choice of foods, your quantity of food intake is also important. Ask your doctor how many calories someone with your body type should be consuming daily, and use this as a guideline to monitor (and possibly reduce) your daily caloric intake.
Diabetes (high blood sugar levels) - this can be treated with medications such as Metformin or Insulin. High blood pressure - this can be treated with medications to reduce blood pressure, such as Ramipril or Hydrochlorothiazide. High cholesterol - this can be decreased through dietary strategies, as well as exercise. It can also be reduced by taking medication such as Atorvastatin.
open heart surgery to unblock and artery and improve blood flow percutaneous interventions to widen a valve or unblock an artery implanting a pacemaker to regulate your heartbeat
open heart surgery to unblock and artery and improve blood flow percutaneous interventions to widen a valve or unblock an artery implanting a pacemaker to regulate your heartbeat
