Symptom 8: Reduced Appetite and Nausea – The Silent Hunger Killers
CDHF can also manifest as reduced appetite and feelings of nausea, taking a toll on an individual’s nutritional status. This is not your typical loss of appetite due to a temporary illness or mood fluctuations; it’s a chronic condition that can significantly impact health.
In the context of CDHF, the feelings of fullness or nausea are often a consequence of fluid build-up in the liver and intestines due to poor circulation. With the heart unable to fill with blood adequately, the digestive system can’t get enough blood to function optimally, leading to feelings of fullness or nausea even after consuming small meals.
Let’s dive a bit deeper. The digestive system is a high-energy-demanding system. It requires a constant supply of blood for optimal functioning. When this supply is compromised due to CDHF, digestion can be impaired, leading to decreased appetite and feelings of nausea.
This symptom has far-reaching effects. Reduced appetite can lead to nutritional deficiencies, impacting overall health and recovery capacity. Chronic nausea can significantly affect quality of life, making meal times a source of dread rather than enjoyment.(8)
