Symptom 2. Breathlessness: The Gasping Struggle for Air
Breathlessness or dyspnea, is a common symptom of acute heart failure. It’s a distressing sensation, one that can turn the simple act of breathing into a battle. The struggle for air, as though every breath demands an effort, is a clear warning sign. It can creep up unexpectedly, making an appearance during physical activity, or asserting itself even at rest.
The underlying reason for this symptom is rooted in the heart’s diminished pumping capacity. When the heart fails to efficiently pump blood, the body doesn’t receive an adequate supply of oxygen. It attempts to compensate for this shortfall by increasing the respiratory rate, leading to the feeling of breathlessness.
Acute heart failure also brings about fluid build-up in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary edema. This fluid accumulation can further hamper the lung’s function, making the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide more difficult. The result? An even greater feeling of breathlessness, even at rest or in a reclining position.
Breathlessness is not limited to moments of exertion. For individuals experiencing acute heart failure, the difficulty can occur even when they’re stationary. This could manifest as trouble catching their breath when they’re not physically active, or waking up at night gasping for air.(2)
