Heart failure is chronic and progressive condition in which the weakened heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the body’s need.
Symptoms of heart failure can include (but are not limited to):
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs and feet
- Coughing
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- Nausea
Activities such as walking, going up stairs, or grocery shopping can become a challenge.
The weakened heart will try to compensate for this condition by pumping faster, stretching to allow more blood to fill between each beat, and strengthening the muscle to allow for stronger contractions. These measures may temporarily mask the symptoms of heart failure, causing some people to be unaware of their condition. However, the heart’s ability to supply the body with nutrients and oxygen will continue to decline until a trip to the doctor is necessary.