Symptom 15. Mood Changes or Depression: An Under-Recognized Indicator
Our final symptom, mood changes or depression, is not a physical manifestation, but an emotional one. Surprisingly, changes in mood can be linked to heart failure, even though the association might not be immediately apparent.
Heart failure, as a chronic condition, can understandably lead to feelings of anxiety or depression due to the stress of managing the illness. However, studies have suggested that these mood changes can also be a direct result of heart failure.
The proposed connection relates to the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood effectively, which means less oxygen and nutrients reach the brain. This can potentially impact the production and regulation of certain chemicals in the brain linked to mood, leading to feelings of depression or noticeable mood swings.
It’s crucial to note that mood changes and depression can be symptoms of many conditions and can also occur independently of physical health conditions. But when experienced alongside other symptoms of heart failure, they should not be overlooked. (15)
