7. Increased Need to Urinate at Night – A Lesser-Known Symptom of Acute Systolic Heart Failure
An increased need to urinate at night, a condition known as nocturia, could also indicate acute systolic heart failure. If you find yourself waking up several times during the night to urinate, it could be a symptom of heart failure. While this could be disruptive and frustrating, it’s essential not to ignore this sign.
In heart failure, the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively, causing fluid to build up in the body. When you lie down at night, the fluid that has accumulated in your legs and ankles during the day is redistributed and processed by the kidneys, producing urine. This can increase your need to urinate during the night.
Moreover, certain medications used in the treatment of heart failure, particularly diuretics, could also increase urination frequency. These drugs help eliminate excess fluid from the body to alleviate symptoms like swelling and shortness of breath, but they can also lead to increased urination as a side effect.
It’s important to understand that while nocturia is indeed a potential symptom of heart failure, it can also be a sign of other conditions, such as diabetes, bladder inflammation, urinary tract infection, or simply the result of drinking too much fluid before bedtime. Therefore, always consult a healthcare professional if you notice any persistent changes in your urination habits, particularly if accompanied by other potential symptoms of acute systolic heart failure.
Never brush off an increased need to urinate at night as a mere inconvenience or attribute it solely to aging. It might be a lesser-known symptom, but it could be your body’s way of hinting at an underlying heart problem. (7)
