Symptom 6: Increased Heart Rate: Your Body’s Response to CHF
Increased heart rate or tachycardia is a common symptom of CHF. This happens as the body tries to compensate for the heart’s decreased pumping ability by increasing the heart rate.
An individual with CHF might notice that their heart is beating faster than usual. They might feel palpitations, a sensation where the heart seems to be pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly. This can be particularly noticeable during physical activity or emotional stress.
In addition to an increased heart rate, the individual might also notice irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. These can result from changes in the electrical conduction system of the heart due to CHF. Arrhythmias can cause a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, fainting, or even sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases. (6)
