Symptom 6: The Unseen Impact – Reduced Urine Output
Systolic heart failure’s impact isn’t just limited to what’s visible or perceptible. Some of its effects are subtler, yet no less significant. Reduced urine output, or oliguria, is one such symptom.
The urinary system, though seemingly independent, is closely tied to the cardiovascular system. The kidneys, which are key players in urine formation, need a steady supply of blood for efficient filtration. In the face of systolic heart failure, the heart’s diminished pumping capacity leads to a reduction in blood flow to the kidneys.
This reduction in renal blood flow can disrupt the kidneys’ filtration process, leading to a decrease in urine production. Individuals might notice a lesser need to urinate, even after consuming an adequate amount of fluids. This reduction in urine output might be more evident at night.
Reduced urine output is not just a urinary symptom; it’s an echo of the cardiovascular struggle. It underlines the interdependence of different body systems and how a disruption in one can ripple across the others. (6)
