The Subtle Symptom Of Deadly Heart Failure You Might Spot In Bed

A doctor has urged everyone to stay alert to the signs of heart failure, a serious condition that often goes unnoticed, especially a symptom that could become noticeable while you’re lying in bed.

This life-threatening condition is becoming increasingly common across the UK. Currently, an estimated 920,000 people are living with heart failure, and around 200,000 new cases emerge each year.

The NHS emphasizes that these symptoms may develop either suddenly or gradually over weeks or months. However, regardless of the timeframe, receiving a quick diagnosis can make a critical difference.

What exactly is heart failure?

For those who may not be familiar with it, heart failure happens when the heart, the main powerhouse of the circulatory system, cannot pump blood effectively throughout the body. Typically, this issue occurs because the heart muscle has weakened or become too stiff, leaving it in need of extra support.

This chronic condition often gets progressively worse with time, eventually leading to severe limitations in a person’s daily life. The NHS even warns that it can ultimately be fatal in many cases.

This is why it’s so crucial to recognize the symptoms as early as possible. While heart failure has no cure, appropriate treatment can allow someone to manage their condition and symptoms for many years.

Beyond the immediate effects, heart failure can lead to dangerous complications, including blood clots, irregular heartbeats, organ damage, and even cardiac arrest.

Being aware of the warning signs can give you the advantage of time, which can be incredibly valuable for treatment.

It’s important to know the signs of heart failureGetty Stock Image

The signs and symptoms of heart failure

According to Dr. Rosie Godeseth, people with heart failure report a range of symptoms, but certain signs frequently show up in patients.

One common symptom, which many notice only while lying down, often goes unrecognized. So, paying attention to any unusual feelings when you lay your head on the pillow could be key.

Speaking with The Sun, the cardiologist and Associate Medical Director at Vitality Health noted: “Sometimes people will experience fluid buildup in the lungs which can make it hard to breathe when lying down.”

“If you find yourself having to be propped up on pillows while you sleep or are waking up short of breath, then book an appointment to see a doctor who may recommend undergoing a sleep study or heart function tests.”

Therefore, if you find it hard to breathe comfortably when lying flat and end up needing extra pillows to prop yourself up, it may be a sign that you should see your GP.

If you struggle to breathe when lying flat, you should book an appointment with your GPGetty Stock Image

Look out for swollen ankles and legs

Additionally, be mindful of swelling in the ankles and legs—or even in the thighs, groin, or abdomen—as these could also indicate heart failure.

This swelling, medically known as oedema, results from your heart’s struggle to effectively circulate blood throughout the body, which can cause fluid to build up.

“It’s important to speak to a doctor if swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness and shortness of breath,” Dr. Godeseth advised.

Other potential indicators of heart failure include a persistent cough, wheezing, and a “bubbling” sensation in the chest.

This cough is often called a “cardiac cough” and generally stems from fluid buildup in the lungs, as explained by the health expert.

The doctor continued: “It’s important to speak to a doctor if you have had a cough for more than three weeks, especially if any mucus produced is pink or blood-tinged.”

A sudden gain in weight can also serve as a warning sign of heart failure, as the body tends to retain extra fluid and salt when the heart isn’t functioning at its best.

Dr. Godeseth elaborated: “When the heart isn’t effectively pumping, it can lead to reduced blood flow in the kidneys. These organs regulate fluid and sodium balance, so they respond to the reduced blood flow by retaining fluid and sodium. This fluid accumulates in the body’s tissues, particularly the lower limbs, abdomen and sometimes even the lungs.”

Fluid retention, known as oedema, is also a common symptom of heart failureNHS

Lifestyle changes are key in avoiding heart failure early on

Dr. Godeseth believes that, because heart failure primarily affects older individuals, many in the UK may feel they don’t need to be concerned. However, she suggests that making significant lifestyle adjustments now can yield substantial health benefits later on.

The doctor emphasized that maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet, staying active, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of heart failure.

She added: “It’s really important not to assume heart health is something that should only be considered, or focused on, once you’re older as the actions we make today go a huge way in preventing illness in the future. In fact, 80 percent of heart disease cases and strokes are preventable.”