Heart Failure: Signs Not to Ignore
When the heart no longer pumps enough.
Dr. Marc Dufresne
Cardiologist
In simple terms
Shortness of breath on exertion, swollen ankles, disproportionate fatigue: heart failure affects over a million French people.
What you need to remember
- Suggestive Symptoms — Dyspnea on exertion**: shortness of breath during activities normally well tolerated
- Main Causes — Sequelae of myocardial infarction
Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer supply enough blood flow for the body's needs. It is a serious chronic disease, but its prognosis has significantly improved thanks to modern treatments.
Suggestive Symptoms
- Dyspnea on exertion: shortness of breath during activities normally well tolerated
- Orthopnea: difficulty breathing when lying down, requiring sleeping with pillows
- Edema: swelling of the ankles and legs at the end of the day
- Fatigue: disproportionate to the effort expended
- Rapid weight gain: 2-3 kg in a few days (fluid retention)
Main Causes
- Sequelae of myocardial infarction
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Valvulopathies (heart valve diseases)
- Cardiomyopathies (heart muscle diseases)
Treatment
Management combines:
- Medications: ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, anti-aldosterone, SGLT2 inhibitors
- Low-sodium diet (< 6 g salt/day)
- Adapted physical activity (cardiac rehabilitation)
- Daily weight monitoring
- Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination
Heart failure is not inevitable. With proper treatment, many patients regain a satisfactory quality of life.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Blood pressure
- The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
- Cardiovascular
- Related to the heart and blood vessels.
- Vaccine
- A safe training session for your immune system, so it can fight a germ later.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Heart Failure: Signs Not to Ignore?
- Shortness of breath on exertion, swollen ankles, disproportionate fatigue: heart failure affects over a million French people.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Heart Failure: Signs Not to Ignore?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Heart Failure: Signs Not to Ignore?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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