Heart failure is a serious condition that affects millions of people across the United States, including residents of Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. Understanding the warning signs can be life-saving, and at Epic Cardiology, with clinics in Chino, Inglewood, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, San Dimas, and Pomona, multiple providers emphasize patient awareness as a crucial step in heart health. Recognizing symptoms early allows patients to seek timely medical attention and manage the condition more effectively.

Shortness of Breath

One of the most common symptoms of heart failure is shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea. This symptom may occur during physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs, but in more severe cases, it can also happen while at rest. Patients may notice that lying down makes breathing more difficult, a condition called orthopnea, which often prompts the need for additional pillows at night. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, sudden episodes of breathlessness during sleep, is another hallmark of heart failure that should not be ignored.

Shortness of breath occurs because the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to build up in the lungs. This congestion reduces the lungs’ capacity to oxygenate the blood, leaving patients feeling constantly fatigued or short of breath. In regions like Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, environmental factors such as high temperatures or air pollution may exacerbate these breathing difficulties, making awareness even more critical.

Swelling and Fluid Retention

Swelling, medically referred to as edema, is a key symptom of heart failure. It commonly affects the legs, ankles, feet, and sometimes the abdomen. This swelling happens when the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the tissues. Patients may notice that shoes or rings feel tighter than usual or that swelling worsens over the course of the day.

Fluid retention is not limited to the extremities. In severe heart failure, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, liver, or gastrointestinal tract, resulting in discomfort and digestive issues. Monitoring weight daily can help detect rapid fluid buildup, a critical indicator that heart failure may be progressing. Patients in all six Epic Cardiology clinic cities—Chino, Inglewood, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, San Dimas, and Pomona—should be aware that even small, gradual swelling can signal underlying heart issues.

Persistent Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue is another common symptom of heart failure that patients often underestimate. When the heart cannot pump efficiently, the body’s tissues receive less oxygen, causing chronic tiredness and general weakness. This fatigue is not simply the result of a long day or poor sleep; it persists even with rest and can significantly impact daily activities.

Patients may notice a decreased ability to exercise or perform routine tasks, such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries. Mental fatigue can accompany physical exhaustion, making it difficult to concentrate or stay alert. Recognizing these subtle changes is vital, as early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening. Residents of Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, including those near Epic Cardiology’s clinics, should take persistent fatigue seriously and track any ongoing changes in energy levels.

Other Key Symptoms

Additional symptoms of heart failure include:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Persistent coughing or wheezing, sometimes with pink or white phlegm
• Reduced ability to exercise or perform physical activity
• Increased need to urinate at night
• Lack of appetite or nausea

Understanding these signs can help patients and caregivers identify heart failure before it reaches a critical stage. Each symptom reflects the strain the heart is under and provides valuable insight into overall cardiovascular health.

Heart failure can significantly impact quality of life, but awareness of symptoms is the first step in protecting your heart. By knowing what to watch for—shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, and other warning signs—patients in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, including Chino, Inglewood, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, San Dimas, and Pomona, can take action to monitor their heart health closely. Epic Cardiology encourages patients to remain informed and attentive, empowering them to respond promptly to changes in their cardiovascular well-being.

Resources:

1. McMurray, J. J., & Pfeffer, M. A. (2005). Heart failure. The Lancet.
2. Yancy, C. W., Jessup, M., Bozkurt, B., et al. (2013). 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for the management of heart failure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
3. Braunwald, E. (2013). Heart failure. JACC: Heart Failure.