Symptoms of a weak heart often develop gradually and are frequently mistaken for simple fatigue, even though the condition can progress into something serious if left untreated. A weak heart, or heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle cannot pump blood effectively, causing organs throughout the body to receive less oxygen than they need. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, and chest discomfort.
Recognizing the early signs of a weak heart is crucial so you can seek medical help before the condition worsens. Identifying symptoms early allows doctors to determine the underlying cause and provide the right treatment to prevent serious complications.
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Warning Signs of a Weak Heart You Need to Watch For
Here are several warning signs of a weak heart that you should be aware of:
1. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is one of the earliest symptoms of a weak heart. This complaint often appears during activities such as climbing stairs, brisk walking, or light exercise. In more severe cases, shortness of breath may occur even at rest or when lying down, causing patients to stack pillows to sleep more comfortably. This happens because the heart cannot pump blood effectively, allowing fluid to accumulate in the lungs. If this symptom appears, it’s best to consult a doctor right away.
2. Easily fatigued and weak
When the heart is weak, the body receives less blood and oxygen. As a result, patients may feel tired, lack energy, and struggle to perform daily activities. This fatigue is different from ordinary tiredness because it does not improve even after adequate rest or sleep. If this condition persists—especially when accompanied by shortness of breath—it may indicate early heart dysfunction.
3. Chest pain or discomfort
Chest discomfort can also be a symptom of a weak heart. It may feel like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation. Sometimes, the pain radiates to the arm, neck, back, or jaw. This discomfort may occur during activity, stress, or even at rest. Chest pain without a clear cause should not be ignored, as it may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Seek medical attention immediately to determine the cause and prevent serious complications.
4. Abdominal pain or indigestion-like symptoms
Pain or burning in the chest or upper abdomen can resemble gastritis or indigestion, but it may also be related to heart problems. Because the heart, stomach, and esophagus are located close to each other, these symptoms are often difficult to distinguish. Unusual abdominal pain should still be treated with caution.
5. Nausea
Nausea is not typically associated with heart problems. However, if sudden nausea occurs along with chest pain, it may be a sign of a heart attack and requires immediate medical evaluation.
6. Swollen legs
Swelling in the legs or ankles can occur for many reasons, including medication side effects. However, persistent and significant swelling may indicate that the heart is not pumping blood effectively, causing fluid to build up in the lower limbs.
7. Leg pain when walking
Cramps or tightness in the calves while walking may indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the legs. This symptom is common among smokers and people with diabetes and should be checked by a doctor.
8. Heart palpitations
A racing, irregular, or skipping heartbeat can be caused by stress, caffeine, or hormonal changes. While often harmless, very rapid or irregular palpitations require further evaluation. If palpitations occur along with fainting or near-fainting, seek emergency care immediately.
Heart Care at RS Mandaya Puri: Advanced and Modern Technology
The Mandaya Royal Puri Heart Center is supported by state-of-the-art medical technology to diagnose and treat various heart and vascular diseases. All procedures are performed by highly experienced specialists, ensuring safe, accurate, and personalized care for each patient. Here are some of the advanced services available:
1. Cardiac ablation
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat arrhythmias. Using a special catheter, doctors disable small areas of heart tissue that produce abnormal electrical signals. This procedure is effective for rapid, irregular, or unexplained heartbeats. The latest ablation technologies offer higher accuracy, faster recovery, and a lower risk of recurrence.
RS Mandaya Royal Puri provides several types of ablation, including 2D/3D ablation and the latest Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA).
2. CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)
CABG, or heart bypass surgery, restores blood flow to the heart muscle affected by blocked coronary arteries. Blood vessels from other parts of the body are used to create a new pathway around the blockage. This procedure is often recommended for patients with severe or multiple blockages that cannot be treated with stent placement alone.
3. EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation)
EVLA is a modern laser treatment for varicose veins that cause pain, swelling, or cosmetic concerns. A laser fiber is inserted into the problematic vein to close it, redirecting blood flow to healthy veins. The procedure requires minimal incisions, short recovery time, and faster return to normal activities compared to conventional surgery.
4. EVAR (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair)
EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm, a dangerous bulging of the major abdominal artery. Doctors insert a stent graft through the groin to reinforce the aorta. With lower complication risks and shorter recovery times, EVAR is a safer alternative to open surgery.
5. Pacemaker insertion
A pacemaker is a device implanted under the skin to stabilize heart rhythm, especially in patients with bradycardia or heart block. Modern pacemakers adjust heartbeat rate according to body activity, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.
6. Rotablator
A rotablator is used to treat hard, calcified coronary blockages that cannot be easily opened with angioplasty balloons. It works like a high-speed microscopic drill that breaks down plaque into tiny particles, preparing the artery for optimal stent placement.
7. Coronary stent placement
A stent is a small mesh tube placed in the coronary artery to keep it open. The procedure is performed using a catheter without major surgery. New-generation drug-eluting stents reduce the risk of re-narrowing, making this a primary therapy for coronary artery disease.
8. Heart valve repair or replacement
Valve disorders can restrict blood flow and lead to heart failure. The Mandaya Heart Center offers modern procedures for valve repair or replacement. Repair is done when the valve can still be preserved, while replacement uses mechanical or biological valves. These procedures help restore heart function so patients can return to an active lifestyle.
For an easier visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter mobile app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to check queue numbers and access complete information.To make your visit to RS Mandaya Royal Puri easier, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access complete information.
