Symptom 7: Persistent Fatigue or Weakness: The Silent Indicators of CHF
CHF (congestive heart failure) often manifests through several symptoms that are typically linked with less severe health issues, making its early detection challenging. One such presentation is persistent fatigue or weakness, which many dismiss as the result of a busy lifestyle or advancing age. But these seemingly innocuous signs may be silent indicators of CHF.
In the delicate balance of the human body, the heart functions as the central power supply, providing energy to all other organs and systems by efficiently pumping oxygenated blood. However, when CHF sets in, the heart’s ability to fulfil this critical role dwindles.
As the heart’s efficiency decreases due to CHF, it’s unable to supply sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This can result in persistent fatigue or a constant feeling of weakness. Daily tasks that were once easy to perform may now seem like insurmountable challenges. This enduring tiredness is not to be ignored, as it may well be a silent plea from a weakening heart.
Apart from fatigue, another common yet often disregarded symptom of CHF is unexplained weakness. This lack of strength is a direct consequence of the heart’s inability to circulate enough blood to the muscles, leading to muscle wasting over time. It may become particularly noticeable during physical activity, even if it’s as routine as climbing stairs or carrying groceries.(7)
