Symptom 10. Nausea: The Unexpected Reaction
Nausea is an unexpected yet significant symptom of acute heart failure. At first glance, it might seem unrelated to heart health—after all, nausea is often associated with conditions like food poisoning or pregnancy. However, it is indeed an insidious manifestation of a heart in distress.
When the heart is failing, its diminished pumping capacity means that blood flow to various organs is compromised. This includes the gastrointestinal system, which, starved of the blood supply it needs to function optimally, can result in feelings of nausea or even vomiting. This nausea is often exacerbated by a decreased appetite, another symptom we’ve explored.
A less direct way nausea is linked to heart failure is through fluid retention and the subsequent increase in abdominal pressure. As we’ve discussed, fluid accumulation is a significant issue in heart failure, and when this fluid collects in the liver and digestive tract, it can lead to discomfort and a sickening feeling in the stomach.
Nausea is an unanticipated symptom of acute heart failure, often overlooked due to its association with other ailments. But, when coupled with other symptoms or in persistent instances, it becomes a significant piece of the heart failure puzzle. Recognizing this can pave the way for early intervention and better management of heart failure. (10)
