A healthy heart pumps blood from its right side to the lungs where the blood picks up the oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood then travels from the lungs to the left side of the heart and is then pumped to the rest of the body. As per Heart Doctor in Delhi, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, unfortunately, heart functioning can be affected by some conditions like coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes, thereby leading to a weak heart.

How do I know if my heart is weak?

A weak heart is often unable to efficiently pump or properly fill up with blood, thereby reducing oxygen and nutrient-rich supply of blood throughout the body. When the heart gets weak, it tries to compensate by pumping harder. Over time, the cardiac muscles stretch and thicken and this further weakens the heart.

When blood supply is reduced to the kidneys, kidney function becomes impaired. This results in fluid retention and fluid accumulation in the thorax, limbs, and lungs.

There is an array of symptoms associated with a weak heart, including:

- Pounding, rapid, or fluttering heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the legs, feet, and ankles (peripheral edema)
- Ascites- a condition wherein fluids collect in abdominal spaces
- Trouble lying flat to sleep
- Chronic fatigue
- Coughing when lying down
- Chest pressure or discomfort.

What are usually the first symptoms of heart failure?

The first signs and symptoms of heart failure are often very subtle but are the warnings that should be noted. They are:

1. Fatigue or general feeling of tiredness- This happens when there is not enough pumping of oxygen-rich blood by the heart to meet the energy needs of the body.
2. Limited physical activity- Weak heart patients are often unable to perform their routine activities because of their shortness of breath and getting easily tired.
3. Congestion- If there is fluid build-up in the lungs, the patient experiences wheezing, coughing, and troubled breathing.
4. Edema or ankle swelling- When heart pumping is not adequate for supplying blood to the lower extremities, fluids collect in the legs, ankles, abdomen, and thighs. The extra fluids build up in the body also results in rapid weight gain.
5. Shortness of breath- Fluid accumulation in the lungs due to improper pumping of the heart causes harder breathing when lying down.

Consult with Dr. Sujay Shad practicing at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, a leading heart hospital in Delhi to prevent life threatening situations caused by weak heart or heart related concerns.