Symptom 3: Gasping for Air – Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Among the vast range of symptoms associated with systolic heart failure, shortness of breath or dyspnea (dyspnoea) holds a crucial place. It can be a frightening experience, often described as gasping for air or feeling suffocated.
Dyspnea, at its core, is a respiratory response to decreased oxygen supply in the body. As systolic heart failure progresses, the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively diminishes. This diminished capacity leads to a shortage of oxygenated blood in the system, which in turn triggers the sensation of shortness of breath.
The onset and severity of dyspnea can vary widely among individuals. Some might experience it only during periods of physical exertion, while others might find it bothersome even at rest. What’s interesting to note is the positional nature of dyspnea. For some individuals, lying flat can exacerbate the sense of breathlessness, while sitting upright might offer relief.
Dyspnea is not just a symptom; it’s a dialogue between the body and the individual, an alert signal indicating that the body’s demand for oxygen isn’t being met. This sensation can disrupt daily life, making simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even talking, an arduous process.(3)
