Symptom 8. Unstable Heart Rate: A Beat Out of Sync
One of the more recognizable signs of chronic heart failure is a rapid or irregular heartbeat. This symptom, medically termed as tachycardia or arrhythmia, is your heart’s response to its declining efficiency.
In an attempt to compensate for its reduced pumping ability, the heart might start to beat faster. This increased heart rate is an effort to deliver more blood and oxygen to the body’s tissues. However, this compensatory mechanism often results in a rapid or irregular heartbeat, which can be felt as palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest.
It’s interesting to note that the rapid heart rate might not always be constant. You might notice it more during physical activities or stressful situations. At times, it could even disrupt sleep, causing night sweats or waking you up with a jolt.
However, a rapid heart rate is not exclusive to chronic heart failure. It could also be a symptom of other heart conditions, hormonal imbalances, or even a side effect of certain medications. Therefore, it’s important to evaluate this symptom in combination with other signs of chronic heart failure for a more accurate understanding. (8)
