Sign 5. Increased Urination at Night: An Overlooked Indicator of Heart Failure
Frequent trips to the bathroom at night, medically known as nocturia, might seem like a routine annoyance. However, it could potentially be an early sign of heart failure. In an attempt to compensate for fluid buildup due to poor heart function, the kidneys may produce more urine. This phenomenon, especially noticeable at night when you’re horizontal, results in increased urination.
This symptom might appear unrelated to the heart and often gets overlooked. It’s common to link it with aging or bladder problems. However, when coupled with other signs like shortness of breath or edema, nocturia can be an important piece in the heart failure puzzle.
Recognizing nocturia requires monitoring the change in urinary patterns. An increase in the frequency of nighttime urination, particularly if it disrupts sleep, could be indicative of a problem. Also, it’s important to note if the volume of urine increases, another distinctive characteristic of nocturia related to heart failure.
Nocturia isn’t solely about frequency. It could also mean waking up with an urgent need to urinate, another dimension of this symptom. Therefore, any significant change in nighttime urinary habits should not be dismissed casually. (5)
