Symptom 5: Bloating and Discomfort – Abdominal Swelling (Ascites)
When dealing with systolic heart failure, it’s not just the lower extremities that can swell. Ascites, or swelling in the abdomen, is another critical symptom. It’s characterized by a feeling of fullness or bloating, often accompanied by discomfort or pain.
The cause behind ascites is quite similar to edema in the legs and feet. The ineffective pumping action of the heart leads to a backup of blood in the venous system. This backup extends to the veins that carry blood from the abdominal organs back to the heart. The resulting increase in venous pressure pushes fluid out of the vessels and into the abdominal cavity, causing ascites.
The onset of abdominal swelling can be quite insidious, often mistaken for weight gain or bloating. However, it’s the accompanying signs that can point to ascites. A sense of fullness, decreased appetite, and discomfort are common experiences. In some cases, there might also be an associated shortness of breath due to the enlarged abdomen exerting pressure on the diaphragm.(5)
