Symptom 6: Frequent Urination at Night: An Unexpected Signal
Nighttime frequent urination, or nocturia, may seem more of an annoyance than a health concern. It disrupts your sleep, leaving you tired and grumpy in the morning. But what if it’s more than just a nuisance? What if it’s a sign of an underlying heart issue?
In heart failure, the heart isn’t able to pump blood efficiently. This inefficiency can lead to fluid accumulation in the body. During the day, while you’re upright, this fluid tends to accumulate in the lower parts of your body, such as your legs. At night, when you’re lying down, this fluid is redistributed and eventually ends up in your bladder, leading to frequent urination.
The onset of nocturia can be quite subtle. You may find yourself waking up once or twice to use the bathroom. Over time, these instances may increase. You might blame it on your aging bladder or the extra glass of water you had before bed. But if you’re also experiencing other symptoms of heart failure, it might be time to explore further.
Of course, nocturia isn’t exclusive to heart failure. Conditions like urinary tract infections, prostate issues, or diabetes can also lead to frequent urination at night. The key is to look at nocturia in context, alongside other potential heart failure symptoms. (6)
