9. Difficulty Sleeping – An Unexpected Consequence of an Enlarged Heart
Experiencing difficulty sleeping can be a less apparent symptom of an enlarged heart. Individuals with this condition may find it hard to sleep unless they prop their head up with extra pillows. This is due to fluid accumulation in the lungs when lying flat, causing shortness of breath and coughing, which can disrupt sleep.
In more severe cases, individuals might wake up suddenly, gasping for breath, a condition known as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This symptom is a clear indication that the body is struggling with fluid management due to heart issues and should not be ignored.
While sleep disturbances can be linked to a variety of conditions, including sleep apnea and stress, persisting problems coupled with other symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling in the legs should warrant immediate medical attention. (9)
