Symptom 6: Bloating or Abdominal Swelling
The reduced pumping efficiency of the heart in ischemic cardiomyopathy can result in another curious symptom – bloating or abdominal swelling. This happens due to fluid build-up in the liver and intestines, a condition medically known as ascites.
Initially, patients may just feel uncomfortably full or notice that their clothes fit tighter around the waist. However, as the condition progresses, the swelling becomes more noticeable and can lead to significant discomfort. It may even cause other symptoms such as loss of appetite or nausea.
Ascites, in the context of ischemic cardiomyopathy, is a sign of advanced heart disease. The fluid build-up is a result of the heart’s inability to pump enough blood to the body’s organs. This results in congestion and fluid accumulation in places it doesn’t belong, including the abdominal cavity.
So, while bloating can occur due to various reasons, from digestive issues to hormonal fluctuations, persistent abdominal swelling without a clear cause warrants medical attention. Especially in individuals with known heart disease, this symptom should never be overlooked. (6)
