Breathlessness during everyday activities, swelling in your ankles, or unusual tiredness can be easy to put down to getting older, having a busy routine, or being less active. However, if these symptoms are new, keep returning, or gradually get worse, they could be early signs of heart failure, and it is worth speaking with a doctor.

Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped working. It means that the heart is not pumping blood as well as the body needs or is not filling with blood properly. This may happen when the heart muscle becomes weak, stiff, or damaged. As a result, fluid can build up in the lungs or other parts of the body, contributing to symptoms such as breathlessness and swelling.

Heart failure is a long-term condition, but treatment can help relieve symptoms, support heart function, and reduce the risk of the condition getting worse. Recognising possible signs and speaking with a doctor early can help you receive the right assessment and care.

Recognising the Early Symptoms

Heart failure often develops gradually, and the early symptoms may be easy to mistake for ageing, reduced fitness, or another health condition. Pay attention to symptoms that are new, keep returning, or become worse over time.

1. Breathlessness

You may become short of breath during activities that did not previously cause difficulty, such as climbing stairs, walking, or carrying groceries. Some people also feel breathless when lying flat or wake during the night needing to sit up to breathe more comfortably.

This can happen when fluid builds up in the lungs because the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should.

2. Swelling in the Legs or Ankles

You may notice swelling in your ankles, feet, or lower legs, particularly later in the day. Shoes or socks may feel tighter than usual. Some people may also develop swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.

This can occur when reduced heart function affects blood flow and causes the body to retain salt and water.

3. Unusual Tiredness

You may feel more tired than usual or find that everyday activities take more effort. Walking, shopping, or completing household tasks may become difficult even when you have had enough rest.

Tiredness has many possible causes, but ongoing fatigue that is new or occurs with breathlessness or swelling should be discussed with a doctor.

4. A Persistent Cough or Wheezing

A cough that does not go away or new wheezing may sometimes be related to fluid build-up in the lungs. These symptoms can also have many other causes, including respiratory infections and lung conditions.

Speak with a doctor if the cough or wheezing persists, worsens, or occurs with breathlessness.

5. Rapid Weight Gain

A noticeable increase in weight over a short period may be caused by fluid retention rather than an increase in body fat. You may also notice more swelling or breathlessness.

If you have been diagnosed with heart failure, your healthcare team may ask you to weigh yourself regularly and explain what degree of change you should report.

6. A Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

You may feel that your heart is racing, fluttering, pounding, or skipping beats. Changes in heart rhythm can occur for several reasons and are not always caused by heart failure.

Tell your doctor if these sensations are new, keep returning, or last longer than usual. Seek urgent medical help if they occur with chest pain, fainting, or severe breathlessness.

7. Reduced Appetite or Nausea

Some people with heart failure may feel full sooner than usual, lose interest in food, or experience nausea. Fluid build-up and reduced blood flow to the digestive system may contribute to these symptoms.

If changes in your appetite continue, lead to unintentional weight loss, or occur alongside breathlessness, swelling, or unusual tiredness, mention them to your doctor.

How Heart Failure Is Treated 

Treatment for heart failure depends on the type of heart failure, the symptoms you have, and any other health conditions. Your doctor may prescribe several medicines that work in different ways to relieve symptoms, support heart function, and reduce the risk of hospital admission or the condition getting worse. Your treatment may be adjusted over time based on your symptoms, blood pressure, kidney function, and blood test results.

Medicines to Reduce Fluid Build-Up

Heart failure can cause excess fluid to build up in the body. This may lead to swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs and can contribute to breathlessness.

Diuretics, sometimes called water tablets, help the kidneys remove excess salt and water through urine. Dytor 10 contains torsemide, a loop diuretic that may be prescribed to reduce fluid build-up and relieve symptoms such as swelling and breathlessness.

The dose of torsemide is based on your individual needs and may be adjusted according to your symptoms, fluid levels, blood pressure, kidney function, and blood test results. Take Dytor 10 exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without speaking with your doctor.

Medicines for Related Cardiovascular Conditions

Some people with heart failure also have coronary artery disease, a previous heart attack, or another cardiovascular condition for which antiplatelet treatment is recommended. In these cases, aspirin may be prescribed as part of the overall treatment plan.

Ecosprin 75 contains low-dose aspirin. It makes platelets less likely to stick together and form blood clots. For people with heart failure who also have certain cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease or a previous heart attack, it may be prescribed as part of their overall treatment plan.

Your doctor will consider your medical history, other medicines, and risk of bleeding before deciding whether Ecosprin 75 is suitable for you. Take it only as prescribed, and do not start or stop taking it without speaking with your doctor.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Heart failure symptoms often develop or worsen gradually. However, some symptoms need immediate medical attention. Call your local emergency service or ask someone nearby for help if you experience:

• Sudden or severe chest pain
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Severe difficulty breathing, especially while resting
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat with dizziness, fainting, or severe breathlessness

If you are severely unwell, do not drive yourself to hospital. Ask someone to stay with you while you wait for medical help.

The Bottom Line

Heart failure often develops gradually, and its early symptoms can be easy to mistake for ageing, reduced fitness, or another health problem. Speak with a doctor if you develop breathlessness, swelling in your legs or ankles, unusual tiredness, a persistent cough, or other symptoms that are new, keep returning, or get worse over time.

If you have been diagnosed with heart failure, taking your medicines as prescribed, attending regular check-ups, and keeping your healthcare team informed about changes in your symptoms can help you manage the condition. Your treatment may be reviewed and adjusted over time as your health and treatment needs change.