8. Persistent Chest Pain: A Disturbing Indicator of Heart Failure
The symptom of chronic systolic heart failure that often sends people rushing to the emergency room is persistent chest pain. It is one of the most universally recognized symptoms linked to heart issues and should never be ignored. Chest pain associated with heart failure is due to the heart muscle’s escalating demand for oxygen-rich blood, a demand that the failing heart grapples to meet.
Characteristically, the chest pain experienced in chronic systolic heart failure is often described as a feeling of pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. However, the pain can be misleading. It doesn’t confine itself to the chest but can extend to other parts of the body. For instance, it may radiate towards the arms, primarily the left arm, but also towards the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back. This pain is usually exacerbated by physical activity and may improve with rest.
The subtler aspects of chest pain involve its intermittent nature. Some people may mistake it for indigestion or heartburn, mainly when the discomfort is mild or moderate.
However, it’s essential to know that these could be signs of angina, a condition where the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen. While stable angina follows a pattern and eases with rest, unstable angina doesn’t, and it requires immediate medical attention as it can be a precursor to a heart attack.
Another point of note is that chest pain isn’t always experienced by everyone with chronic systolic heart failure. Some people, particularly older individuals and women, might present with atypical symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, or even gastric problems. This variability underscores the need to be aware of other potential symptoms of heart failure and not just rely on chest pain.
While chest pain can have various causes, including non-cardiac reasons such as acid reflux or muscle strain, when it’s associated with symptoms like shortness of breath, palpitations, or fatigue, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Persistent chest pain is a serious symptom indicating a worsening heart condition and should never be ignored. (8)
