Symptom 6. Increased Urination at Night: An Unexpected Indicator
On the surface, increased urination at night, or nocturia, might not seem to be linked to heart failure. However, it’s an often-overlooked sign that shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. This symptom can be somewhat baffling because the connection between heart health and urinary habits is not commonly known. But once you delve a little deeper, the relationship becomes clearer.
Heart failure affects the entire body’s functioning, and this includes the kidneys. When heart failure is present, the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently can lead to blood accumulation in the kidneys. This buildup of blood prompts the kidneys to increase urine production to get rid of the excess fluid. This process can result in more frequent trips to the bathroom, particularly noticeable during the night.
The reason nocturia is more pronounced at night lies in body position changes. During the day, fluid can accumulate in the lower extremities due to gravity. But when you lie down to sleep, the fluid is redistributed and returned to the bloodstream, which in turn gets filtered by the kidneys, increasing urine output. Consequently, this increased kidney function can cause individuals to wake up multiple times in the night to urinate.
However, it’s important to remember that nocturia can also be a symptom of other conditions, including age-related changes, bladder problems, or certain medications. Therefore, while increased urination at night could indicate heart failure, especially if accompanied by other heart failure symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis. (6)
