Sign 10. Lightheadedness or Fainting: The Subtle Signs of Heart Failure
Lightheadedness or fainting spells also can be early signs of heart failure. As heart failure progresses, the heart’s reduced pumping ability can lead to a drop in blood pressure, causing these symptoms. These might appear as subtle, sporadic events, making their connection to heart failure less obvious.
The first clue is often a feeling of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation. These might occur while standing up quickly or after extended periods of sitting. While these feelings can be common, their persistent occurrence, especially when coupled with other symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath, warrants attention.
Fainting spells linked to heart failure, also known as syncope, might not always involve a complete loss of consciousness. It could range from a fleeting blackout to a momentary feeling of being about to pass out. Identifying these variations can help catch this elusive symptom. (10)
