Cardiac failure on the left side: Symptoms, remedies, and forecast
Left-sided heart failure, a common and potentially life-threatening condition, arises when the heart struggles to pump oxygen-rich blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and insufficient blood flow throughout the body. Here are some key symptoms to watch out for:
Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
One of the most common and hallmark symptoms of left-sided heart failure is shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down. This occurs due to pulmonary congestion or fluid in the lungs, and may cause waking at night gasping for air (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).
Persistent Cough or Wheezing
A persistent cough or wheezing, often producing white or pink-tinged mucus, can also be a sign of left-sided heart failure. This is caused by fluid in the lungs.
Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of left-sided heart failure, as insufficient blood and oxygen delivery to muscles and organs can lead to feelings of tiredness and reduced energy levels.
Swelling (Edema)
Swelling, or edema, may be less prominent initially on the left side than the right side but can appear as the condition progresses, especially as right-sided heart failure develops.
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
Rapid or irregular heartbeat, or palpitations, may occur as the heart tries to compensate for poor pumping ability.
Additional Symptoms
Other symptoms sometimes reported with heart failure include increased urination at night (nocturia) due to fluid redistribution when lying down, sudden weight gain linked to fluid retention, and loss of appetite, nausea, or digestive discomfort, which are more commonly associated with progression to right-sided failure or congestion affecting abdominal organs.
In summary, the most common and hallmark symptoms of left-sided heart failure are shortness of breath, especially exertional or when lying down, persistent cough with sputum, and fatigue, all related to impaired lung circulation and decreased cardiac output. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Doctors use a variety of imaging tests, such as coronary angiogram, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, to look for signs of heart failure. Treatment for left-sided heart failure includes medications that slow the heart rate, reduce fluid and sodium levels, relax the blood vessels, and help the heart pump stronger.
[1] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Heart Failure. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-failure [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart failure symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373693 [3] American Heart Association. (2021). Symptoms of Heart Failure. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/symptoms-of-heart-failure [4] British Heart Foundation. (2021). Heart failure - symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters/heart-failure/symptoms [5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Heart Failure Symptoms. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17119-heart-failure/symptoms
- Heartvalve disorders, a type of chronic disease, can lead to heart failure, jeopardizing cardiovascular health and affecting an individual's health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise routines.
- Recognizing the early symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, fatigue, swelling, and rapid or irregular heartbeat, is crucial in seeking timely medical intervention and managing the disease.
- Mental-health can be affected by chronic diseases like heart failure, as the stress and anxiety associated with the condition may exacerbate symptoms and hinder recovery.
- Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular-health, as a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help manage heart failure symptoms and overall health-and-wellness.
- Recommended lifestyle changes for heart failure management include engaging in moderate-intensity fitness-and-exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, to improve cardiovascular-health and reduce stress levels.
- Studies in science continue to explore new treatments and prevention strategies for heart failure, with the goal of improving life expectancy and quality for those affected by this serious medical-condition.
- Sports enthusiasts and individuals with heart failure should consult their healthcare providers before resuming physical activities, as certain cardiovascular-health limitations may require adjustments to exercise routines or the need for medical monitoring during sporting events.
