Symptom 8: Increased Need to Urinate at Night
An increased need to urinate at night, medically known as nocturia, is another symptom that can signal left-sided heart failure. This symptom can be attributed to the body’s attempt to eliminate the excess fluid buildup caused by the heart’s diminished pumping ability.
Specifically, when you lie down to sleep, the fluid that has accumulated in your legs and ankles throughout the day is reabsorbed into your bloodstream. Your kidneys then process this additional fluid, which increases urine production and subsequently leads to frequent nighttime urination.
Nocturia can interrupt your sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, further impacting your quality of life. While this symptom can be common in older adults and those with bladder or prostate issues, when observed along with other signs of left-sided heart failure, it warrants medical attention. As always, early detection is key to managing heart health and maintaining your wellbeing. (8)
