It is important to know the Signs of Hrt Not Working because your heart is the machine of your body. It keeps you alive by circulating blood and oxygen around your body so that when it starts to fail, you take rapid actions.
What Does a Healthy, Working Heart Do?
A healthy heart circulates blood to all your body parts. This blood carries oxygen and nutrients that keep your muscles, brain, and other organs working.
When your heart is not doing its job, it cannot keep up with the needs of your body. This can make you feel weak, tired, or even sick.
Heart problems like high blood pressure, blocked arteries, or weak heart muscles happen for many reasons. Learning to spot the signs of a heart not working can help you get help early.
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Common Signs of Hrt Not Working
- Shortness of Breath
If you sometimes feel like you cannot breathe in while walking, climbing the stairs, or even lying down, it may be a sign of your heart not working.
This is because a weakened heart results in the build-up of fluid in your lungs, making it difficult for you to breathe. This is one of the earliest signs of the heart not working, and it should not be taken lightly.
- Chest Pain or Tightness:
Chest pain is a classical sign of the heart not working. You may feel pressure, tightness, or the sensation of a heavy weight in your chest. At times the pain spreads to your arm, back, neck, or jaw. If these types of pains are noticed, you should call the doctor on the spot because it is a heart attack.
- Feeling Tired All the Time
When your heart doesn’t pump well, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen. This can make you very tired even after resting. And if you have difficulty in performing daily tasks such as walking or climbing stairs easily, then it might be because your heart is in dire need of help.
- Swelling in the Feet, Ankles, or Legs
Swelling is another warning sign, also known as edema. When your heart isn’t pumping right, fluid can build up in your body, especially in the lower legs and feet.
If your shoes or socks leave deep marks on your skin, it might mean your heart isn’t working as it should.
- Irregular Heartbeat
A normal heart has a regular beat. Racing, skipping beats, or fluttering are symptoms of a possible abnormal heart rhythm, also known as arrhythmia. This requires immediate medical attention, as it may be potentially serious.
- Persistent Cough or Wheezing
A cough that does not go away may be a sign of heart failure, mainly if it produces pink or white mucus. When there is fluid in your lungs, you may experience a cough or wheezing.
If this symptom presents with other symptoms such as swelling or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical care.
- Dizziness or Fainting
If your heart is not pumping enough blood to the brain, you can have feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. In some cases, that feeling might lead to a fall.
Dizziness or falling could be a serious signal from your heart that it’s not working properly, and it needs attention.
- Cold Sweats
Unexplained sweating, especially when you’re not active, could be a warning of a heart attack. Cold sweats often come with chest pain or shortness of breath, so don’t ignore them.
- Nausea or Stomach Pain
Heart diseases are not always manifested with chest pain. In a few instances, heart ailments cause nausea, vomiting, and even stomachache. The mentioned above symptoms are more prevalent among women and can easily be mistaken for stomach troubles.
With other signs of the cardiovascular system, they could herald trouble.
- Pale or Blue Skin
When your heart is unable to pump blood rich in oxygen, your skin may take on a pale or bluish color.
Check if the color of your lips, nails, or fingers has changed. This is a serious sign that needs immediate care.
How to Help Your Heart Work Better
- Know the Early Signs
Pay attention to your body and don’t ignore symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling, or fatigue. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of improving your heart’s health.
- Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
A healthy diet can make your heart work better. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Avoid too much salt, sugar, and processed foods. These changes can improve your health and lead to better heart function.
- Stay Active
Exercising regularly keeps your heart muscle strong and promotes blood flow. Easy exercises, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, strengthen the working heart without overworking it.
- Reduce Stress
Since stress makes the heart work harder than it needs to, relaxing is a must. Try deep breathing, meditation, or spending quality time with your loved ones to ease your heart’s function.
- Regular Check-ups
See your doctor regularly to have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked. In that way, problems can be found early, and your heart can stay healthier.
When to See a Doctor
If any of the aforementioned signs are observed, consult a doctor or admit yourself to the hospital immediately if you experience chest pains, fainting, and irregular heartbeats.
Mild symptoms, such as fatigue or swelling, will also need to be checked just to see that your heart is functioning well.
Conclusion
Your heart is your lifeline, and taking care of it is a priority. Being able to recognize signs of a heart not working may save your life. Shortness of breath, swelling, and chest pain are ways your body lets you know something is wrong.
Take steps to improve your working heart by eating healthy, staying active, and managing stress. Regular checkups can also help you detect signs of heart not working early and achieve better heart function.
Paying attention to these signs and making a few minor changes will protect your heart and extend your life.
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