Symptom 8: Increased Urination at Night (Nocturia)
Another symptom that people with ischemic cardiomyopathy may experience is nocturia, or increased urination at night. This might seem unrelated to the heart, but there is a connection.
When the heart isn’t effective in pumping blood during the day, especially in a standing position, the kidneys may respond by retaining more fluid, leading to less urine production. At night, when the body is horizontal, the fluid distribution changes. The accumulated fluid is released and processed by the kidneys, leading to increased urine production.
Nocturia can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased quality of life. Moreover, frequent nighttime urination can be a sign of worsening heart function, so it’s crucial not to ignore this symptom. (8)