Do you know the signs of heart failure? Early recognition is crucial to receiving timely treatment and preventing further deterioration. If you or someone you know has more than one of the symptoms below, reach out to a cardiologist for an evaluation.

• Shortness of breath: this can occur when the heart has a difficult time supplying blood back to the lungs for oxygenation. This back up of blood in the veins can cause fluid to leak in the lungs. Dyspnea, shortness of breath, can happen during activity or at rest.

• Wheezing or a cough that lasts and produces mucus that is pink or blood tinged is a sign. This indicates that you may have fluid in your lungs.

• Fluid retention in the tissues of your body, especially the feet and legs, is a tell-tale sign that blood flowing back to your heart is slowing up. Edema, swelling, is nothing to ignore. This is your body’s way of saying that it cannot move your blood through your circulatory system efficiently.

• Feeling tired all of the time is a sign that your heart is choosing send blood to the vital organs and reduces the amount of blood your muscles will receive in your limbs. Fatigue can be an indicator of many other diseases as well. But, if you experience fatigue combined with another symptom on this list, you should call your doctor.

• Nausea and feeling of being full all of the time indicate that your stomach and digestive system is not receiving the blood it needs.

• An increase in your heart rate or palpitations is a sign that your heart is straining to pump enough blood to keep your body running.

• Feeling confused or memory loss is a sign that a family member, neighbor, friend, or a caregiver might notice.

All of the signs above are indicative that your heart may be struggling. If you feel that you have more than one of these symptoms and may be having heart failure, reach out to a healthcare professional and request an evaluation of your heart. Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are experts in heart evaluations and use the latest technology to diagnose and treat heart disease. Call them today at 813-975-2800 to schedule an appointment.