Cardiologist explains Top 5 Signs of Heart Failure 

Do you suffer from heart failure or do you know somebody with heart failure? Tell me in the comments which symptoms you felt. Was it these top 5 or something different? I’ll be interested to know.

My dad had this. Right before he died he had one entire leg significantly bigger than the other. I asked him what was wrong and he had fear in his voice saying he didn't know. He suffered with a bad heart for about 15 years. He was one tough cookie. Survived heart surgery, 2 shoulder surgeries and a knee surgery. Dad, you did good for us. Rest in peace now

I was diagnosed with Congestive heart failure six years ago. I got a new Metro Valve four years ago. I was feeling Great. But slowly I`m getting weaker and weaker. So at 79 my old heart is weakening again. I`m happy and have lived a full life. I`m not telling my Wife or Primary care Doctor. No more sugary`s for me. Thank you for this great information! It brings me real Peace!

My dad died of this disease days ago. I'm crushed, he had all the symptoms... his heart was so weak at the end. I love you Dad.

1. Breathlessness 2. Swelling in ankles 3. Weight gain 4. Palpitations 5. General tiredness or fatigue

At 82 years old, I manage my cardiovascular disease with my cardiologists help. Thanks for this checklist, I'll keep it in mind.

YOUR PRESENTATION IS ONE OF THE BEST...... CLARITY, SIMPLICITY, UNCLUTTERED, AND CHARISMATIC.......Thank you Doctor.

My late Brother at AF which caused a stroke & later cardiac failure. He lived with CF for 5 years until his death 18 months ago. Apparently that is a good innings for someone who was a smoker & overweight. I miss him every day

Thank you for getting right to the point. I have heart failure i have all the symptoms you mentioned. I'm attending a heart failure clinic at the moment unfortunately when i have energy i forget snd do too much

Thanks so much for posting this video!!!. All people should watch this. I was diagnosed with heart failure last year when I went to the emergency room with a bit tightness in my chest, and weakness and dizziness when I would stand up. Luckily, they diagnosed it quickly as a valve issue, and I had it fixed last July by a great team of doctors. I was lucky as mine was diagnosed relatively early. IF you know somebody with these symptoms, PLEASE take them to a doctor to get them checked out!

Thank you for getting right to the point.

Diagnosed with HF last September when I couldn’t breathe one evening and was hospitalised. Now 7 months later I’m fine. I have daily medications and a 1500ml fluid restriction. My weight hasn’t increased, zero swelling, no problems lying flat and no tiredness, saw my cardiologist in December who said (after I had ECGs etcetra) that my heart was back to normal and the next appointment not for 6 months. But I have changed my lifestyle, regular exercise at gym, very low sodium and fresh foods only plus no alcohol I weigh myself daily

My mums brother died suddenly in a doorway after running to the neighbours house five hundred yards away for help when he had a water leak. He was only about 65, he wasn’t overweight,didn’t drink or smoke, was fit and did a fair bit of running. Anyone would think or believe that he would last till ninety. Mum couldn’t understand it so asked the pathologist. It turned out he died of “Angina of Effort”, ( Pheidippides Cardio Myopathy they call it now) . He said it’s caused by not stopping and easing up when your body tells you to. At some stage maybe months or years before he strained his heart, probably running up hill and down dale. Hence the renaming, Pheidippides should have slowed down a bit when he approached Athens after running all the way from Marathon in 490BC. He was the best courier the Greeks had, a professional dispatch runner and he wasn’t very old either. So as someone once said “ Hey, let’s be careful out there”. 😊

I went to the ER last week with the cardiac issues. My heart was beating too fast for a few seconds, and then it would go back to normal. This kept happening and I was dizzy. The cardiologist told me that I had a potassium deficiency and that my echocardiogram looked normal.

My mum had heart failure, fluid build up in ankles was the main symptom. Taking meds to control the fluid means going to pee about 20 times a day which is demanding especially when they rely on a carer. She died a year ago from sepsis infection from a small skin tear on her leg. Infection got the better of her failing heart within a day and that was that. It was a decent death after 85 years so can’t complain. We’re all going to die, just can’t be sure how or when.

What a lovely gentleman, we need more like this ...👏👏👏

Thank you kind sir. Straight to the facts 👍 i just keep moving and rest when i want. 🙏🙏🙏 to all

I have all of these symptoms but I feel pretty good and can keep up with my household. I got rheumatoid arthritis 15 years ago and that’s what started this meltdown. But I am in remission so meltdown is slow. None of this concerns me because I am 80 and this is normal and I have no fear. When it’s time I’ll go. Thank you for this interesting and informative video. 😊🌸

Breathlessness when I exert myself a bit too much where I had to stop everything while struggling to get my breath. I made 2 trips to emergency and 1 to my doctor. The doctors at emergency claims I wasn't having a heart attack. My MD just sent me home and told me to rest. I demanded a heart scan which turned up calcium buildup on my heart arteries. I started taking Cod Liver Oil which really help because the 2nd heart scan showed that the Calcium was mostly gone. I never had any more problems until 2023 when I started having severe pain around my heart if I walked a little fast. But when I tried to mow my yard the pain really kicked in. I put my mower up and went to emergency again. And the next thing I knew I was taken by ambulance to the hospital in another city and was put in the ICU for a week where I had open heart surgery on April 13 2023. Keep my fingers crossed but I can walk fast, work out with weights and mow my yard again.

Great video!! Tiredness and the rest. Yes. All of the symptoms that you mentioned.

And the rarely discussed 6th sign of heart failure is rigor mortis.

3 heart attacks and all symptoms you’ve mentioned. Had a Stent put in the LAD artery after one of the heart attacks where the LAD was 85% blocked, also had a cardiac ablation to help with the frequent episodic Atrial-Fibrillation. This helpful video works to clarify things. Thank you.👍🏽

Very well explained.

Im a caregiver, the sign you mentioned its really 💯%, I take care grandma and she just came from heart failure 😢😢😢

Dr you share great information 😊

Thank you for this explanation - I ended up in A&E on Saturday - I had funny tingling down one arm, and in two fingers on the same hand, with a feeling of discomfort across the top of my chest. I have previously had severe covid, and was diagnosed last year with Covid induced asthma. My blood pressure had also gone up from normal to around 145/95 (this is abnormal for me). I have complained for nearly four years that my heart feels out of whack since I had covid. So they did an ECG, took bloods etc, and said I was fine, and sent me home. The only new thing I learnt was that I now have Sinus Arrhythmia (something I didnt have pre-covid, as I had an ECG a few years before). I am concerned they didnt do a scan of the coronary arteries, while I was there - so intend to pick up with my GP tomorrow. Hence why I am here, double checking stuff - thank you for leaving this for us all to read.

Last echocardiogram read indications of combined right and left congestive heart failure. Have an appointment Monday for a three month checkup. Constantly fatigued, breathless upon exertion, swelling in the lower legs, on 5 different blood pressure meds, and a general sense of unease all the time. Oh yes my weight is up almost 20 pounds in the last six months. Hoping for better news Monday but not holding my breath. Switching to a more plant based diet now.

I had swelling, terrible fatigue, occasional slight breathlessness, my chest was 😮always tight but I have MS so that’s what I thought it was. I went to hospital for one night and they said nothing, I was sent for echocardiogram I got a phone call at home one Saturday from my local hospital saying I had had a heart attack and my left ventricle was damaged, heart only working at45% …..j couldn’t believe it, was so shocked . Apparently I’d had a silent heart attack and I had no idea. I was terrified but apart from medication I ha E never seen a cardiologist, or had any t Cardio MRI…nothing. It’s terrible I’m in U K and the NHS is failing y fast.

Great information

Thank you Dr.Hafiz

Thanks for that doc. Most informative. I'll subscribe to help you.

I currently have Asthma and Restrictive Impairment, Sleep Apnea, Gerd and other illnesses. Whewww, overwhelmed. I stay sick...chest tightness, shortness of breath, hoarse alot, etc My pulmonologist just made me appointment with heart doctors for a Carotid Doppler Ultrasound and Echo. I have a heart murmur, which have never given me problems. Because I felt dizzy recently, my head has a funny feeling and she heard a sound on my neck, she wanted me to take the tests. May be just Asthma and Gerd related, but glad she want to have me checked out to be sure nothing is going on with my heart and artery in the neck. I will take them next week. Praying all goes well.

We will keep clicking and our hearts will hopefully keep ticking. Mold allergies are similiar. Nice video.

Thank you Doctor for your lucid explanation of heart failure signs…I wake up breathless at night sometimes and have experienced the tiredness you describe. I lead an active life otherwise…eg walking 3-4miles per day and have a large garden to tend. I am currently taking candersatan and bisoprolol as recommended by my GP and a daily dosage of edoxaban to manage BP. Other than this I am fortunate to be able to do what I do. My weight is stable at 111/2 stone (6’) high. I also have knee strengthening exercises daily as recommended byNHS physios to manage osteoarthritis. I am 79…just keep bashing on really!!

Thank you so much.

I used to have palitations left right and centre a few years ago. My GP ordered a few tests and all came back negative. I then did some research and decided to take magnesium. Wow, all my heart palpations were gone. I still get the occasional palpitarion but its reduced by 99%. Magnesium worked for me but everyone is different.

Great video Dr. Thank you looking forward to your other videos.

Currently have COPD, but I am experiencing the symptoms you mentioned, I go to do something then I have to rest. I do not tolerate the heat, I find that the most comfortable place for me is elevated in bed.

Thank you!

I have every single one of the symptoms you mentioned. Every one.

thanks doc

Thank you❤

Breathlessness yes. Weightgain yes. Swelling yes. Palpitations yes. General tiredness, kind of. I'm able to go gym and still feel kinda energetic

Thank you Doctor. Could you also tell us what is the treatment and how can one prevent heart failure.

I have SVT, fast beats, slow beats. I'm 61 and started working out 3 years ago 3-4 days a week. I've lost 50 lbs and feel like I did when I was 50 and working out. I'm going down swinging!!!

Diagnosed with heart failure about 18 months ago, with recommendation for urgent operation to kick start the heart to get it back to the correct rythm. Had one op, and was told it was sucessful. Not long after went for a check-up, and was told the heart had reversed back to it's old rythm, and a second op was required... 12 months later, am still waiting for the second op..🙄🙄 73 years of age , and cycling a lot,,, the cycling seems to work better than the heart op..

My sister age 71 was diagnosed with afib about six or seven years ago and just recently was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She had an incident about a week ago where she woke up and could not breathe. She managed to retrieve a neighbor to get her to the hospital instead of calling 911. She left the hospital after four days of observation with a permanent oxygen tank. I fear I may lose her this year. She has all the symptoms, except I have not heard her complain about feeling tired all the time.

I was born in the early 1970's with Tetralogy of Fallot. In 1976 I had my first open heart surgery where at that time the surgery dealt with a patch being inserted in the heart. In 2003 I had my second open heart surgery where my pulmunary valve was replaced with a pig valve. It was around this time I started getting tired and found out I had CHF. 2010 was the doozy: Open heart surgery number three. I had my pulmonary valve replaced (with a homograft), mitral valve replaced, bicuspid valve replaced along with a twisted ascending aorta, and chordae "flopping" around on one of the valves. On top of this, I am on my third AICD. I have had chronic tiredness for years but still seem to get up and go.

Swelling of the ankles and weight gain are my two major concerns. I do take all kinds of medications for other things which may contribute, but I do have a heart murmur also.

My mother died from heart failure. Her feet were swollen and she complained she couldn't breathe. My son had her taken to the hospital, where she died 2 days later. She was 98 years old, and her heart was worn out.

In the early stages of my diagnosis and I have all 5 symptoms. I suffer with Afib 100% of the time which makes my breathlessness worse along with sleep apnea, I have a pacemaker for bradycardia and have tachycardia, the combination of all my symptoms causes my pre syncope and Vasovagal Syncope to worsen. And because I am really greedy I have PTSD I have a Transthoracic echocardiogram in 10 days, hopefully we can confirm my diagnosis. Thank you

I have COPD and pulmonary hypertension and lately I get tried alot and sweating badly swollen ankles and pain in chest is that a part of pulmonary hypertension.

I was diagnosed with a hole in my heart , just last December 2022, I was 55 at the time , I was supposed to go get something done, to close the hole but die to other health issues I couldn't go do it and now , it feels like its grating against the b4estbone , and I get palpitations , feels so strange , I believe its heart disease now due to other issues. Keep lifted

I have heart failure and I experience weight gain,fatigue, breathless and swollen feet

I am 80 and been very healthy except for A-Fib which I have had many years! I was diagnosed when By a cardiologist several years ago and started on medication! I was born with my dad’s DNAand he died of a massive heart attack at age 64. I have been under the care of my cardiologist for a number of years and undergone several Cardioversion which did not last. Two years ago I had a permanent pacemaker implanted with no problem except for very negative reaction from the anesthesia! I have done well since then but my Ejected Fraction was about 35-40

6 months after quadruple bypass started having shortness of breath. Now having palpitations. All test done on heart and lungs showed nothing abnormal. Would like to know what is causing all this .

What about a lingering cold and sniffles for more than a month? Thanks!

Thank you for your presentation. By chance, have you done one on LBBB (left branch bundle block)? I did not have fluid build up, but I started having fainting episodes. The night time ones when I was in bed were the worst. I would feel VERY tired, fall asleep. The next thing my wife was waking me up. I was sweating, nausea, bowel movement etc. Eventually I was told I had LBBB and a pacemaker has been fitted.

I also experience light headedness which I ascribe to a shortage of oxygen due to a lower EF?

I fell scapula pain without chest pain but i am suffering from cealic dosease so i fell shortness of breath due to indigestion

Had a very serious heart attack 5 years ago which necessitated 3 stents being inserted. I had no warning just came upon me one Sunday morning. Damn painful. At first I was worried that I was going to die and after 10 minutes was worried that I was not going to die, it was that painful. Death does not bother me, pain does though!

i've had hf since 2017. i had the 5 bypass surgery. afterwards, i still couldn't excert myself, i still can't. lately i've had to call the ambulance twice because i couldn't breathe. the specialist took me of carvedidol and put me on water pills, i feel great but still have no energy. sometimes if i extend myself too much ( very little ) i feel sick to my stomach. at 85 i guess i can't expect much more.

I have these 5 symptoms. I I mistaken it was asthma I kept taking medication for asthma. I suffered almost 3 months with this symptom s.fon the end O Hospitalized with heart failure. My R F level is 35.please can you help me.I am fro. Sro lanka

I’m in Darwin Australia, I have had AF for a long time, it started when I was about 20, and used to come and go, most often only for a hour or two before going back to sinus rhythm, then in 2016, something felt like it broke in my chest, and AF was happening, silly me waiting for it to go back to sinus rhythm, but after two weeks ( not a good move) went to the hospital to get it checked out. Well after cardio version, nothing, it was permanently in AF, and about a week later after lots of tests heart failure set in, along with cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and ischemia ( sorry not sure of what type), so, now 8 years later still heart failure, and cardiomyopathy, fatigued all the time, breathless all the time, and very fed up with being incapacitated, as I was always very active and hard working, a loved my sports, now nothing I can’t walk more than 40 metres

I have a bicuspid aortic valve and I experience chronic fatigue. Sometimes I feel dizzy if I stand up, and I nearly fell into the door. I also have mild stenosis and moderate regurgitation, and my left ventricle is enlarged. Am I showing signs of early heart failure?

A very good video.

Hi @The Heart Doctor, Two years back I encountered a sharp pain in my left chest after one day of taking the third coronavirus vaccine (Mordana). I struggled to breathe for approximately 20 minutes, then the discomfort reoccurred after a 10-minute interval, persisting for another 20 minutes. I promptly dialed 911 and was admitted to the emergency room. Despite a thorough examination, the doctors couldn't identify any apparent issues. Subsequently, my family doctor recommended checking my cholesterol levels, revealing alarmingly high results. Upon learning about the potential side effects of cholesterol medication, I opted for a lifestyle change. I started going to the gym, and last year, I didn't experience any issues. However, this year, my diet became a bit lax with the occasional indulgence in carbs and Costco cakes, leading to a recurrence of symptoms. I sought emergency care, but once again, doctors found no clear issues. Now, my family doctor has advised me to consult with a specialist.

I'm experiencing 4 of the 5 symptoms you described. All but the palpitations. I went to the cardiologist a week ago and he did an EKG and said it looked fine. Also my heart rate was 70 but at home it is usually at 60 so I think that is good. He did a stress test 2 years ago and said it looked very good. I went on a keto diet 2 years ago and lost 20 pounds but still have too big of a belly. I'm sure I have insulin resistance. I wish I could reverse this but I'm not convinced it is possible. Maybe chelation treatments.

Brilliant presentation. I will be subscribing to your channel ❤

My cardiologist said shes doesn't know why im short of breath. Lolol she needs too go back to school. TY!

Just been diagnosed with this after years of putting my symptoms down to various ailments like asthma, anaemia, depression. I have experienced all symptoms mentioned and recent testing shows I have AF.

I have oedema, breathlessness and rarely AFib. BNP at 120. Grade 1 diastolic dysfunction. Yet told that the echogram shows a strong heart action. Hence not in heart failure. Breathlessness partly attributed to poorer lung function. Hilar lymph nodes, opacity and glanulomatous disease. I am confused. I’m 73 years old male at 110 kgs.

I had palvertations on the left side of my collar bone in front of my neck dose that concern the heart please

I've had heart failure since i was diagnosed in 2004 had a double heart bypass in 2001.16th of April, I had an MRI scan of my heart. My cardiologist thinks I may need a pacemaker fitted. I have 28% ejection fraction

My next door neighbour died of a massive heart attack a few years back, and for a few months before he died, I could hear him vomiting quite frequently. I always wondered if this had something to do with him having a bad heart.

I had the first 2 symptoms it was all cause by to much salt 🧂 try eliminating salt for one month and see what happens! In the beginning I thought it was the cold weather but the I realized it was the salt I stop using salt the I was able to breathe better because I was not retaining water! It’s not easy because you can’t eat out!

Good evening my heart is beating fast the doctor said that today

I am suffering from all these symptoms plus a heart murmur my gp said he had never heard until recently. However I was discharged by the cardio nurse as not having a strong chest pain. I’m now left floundering. Thank you dr

LBBB has heart valves fighting each other, causing most of those symptoms in my case. A resynchronization pacemaker fixed everything. Ejection fraction went from 28% to 45% (which is great). My greatest symptom was dizziness upon standing after being crouched down doing manual labor. Sometimes so bad i would have hallucinations for a minute. Blood pressures were not high. It was causing an enlarged heart and congestive failure (according to my surgeon)

I have heart failure sometimes when I stress out I feel pain on the left side, I feel so nervous

The only thing i have of all those is heart palpitations. Its not all the time but when it happens it can go on for awhile. I usually do deep breathing exercises to get control of it. It can be concerning at times.

I do have palpitations rather often, but no heart failure so far.

Can bringing the bp too low by medication bring on some of these symptoms. How low would be over treatment when someone is home resting ? Maybe under 100/60

Whats the best heart test to take??

I was diagnosed with congenital heart failure a few years ago but it started, as l was informed, many years before, when l was hospitalized with pneumonia, and had to breath through an outlet in the wall of the hospital that delivered oxygen to my lungs. I remember it was extremely painful. I got better, but the damage was done done, and it resulted in the condition l now have. I get breathless when moving about, and caugh a lot, especially when l am in bed. Caugh drops help a little, and for a short time. I have nasal congestion, and am constantly blowing my nose both during the day and the night. I am allergic to dust, and cannot use paper handkerchiefs and use cloth handkies, which get soaked .l have a good supply of them, as l don't want to be doing laundry more than necessary. ( very tiring), taking me most if the day to put things away. I live in an independant living facility, but doon't mix much with the other residents , as their constant complaining of their health problems bother me, and l keep mine to myself, or to professionals that l am in contact with once a month. 😂😮😅😅😅

I have all 5 of those symptoms as well as occasional vertigo or dizziness. My doc said my swollen ankles and hairless lower legs are due to broken valves in my lower legs thus allowing a back flow. My breathing is hard at times and gets bad if I lie on my back. How do I push my doc for heart tests ?I cannot go for tests without a GPs reference.

Good day Dr 😅 thank you so much for this post . I've been battling the llast few months with palpitations up to 150 / min ..it's coming abd going ..usually when I move my arms a lot ..like sweeping or hanging washing ..or even combing my hair .. this happened suddenly . I'm 85 years old .have never been sick . I had covid x3 .but survived only to have brain fog for 3 years now .dripping from my eyes all day ..no cure .and now tge palpitations. My heart beat slow 52 . My overheats good ..my weight 50 kilo . Please advise.

Do you mean Acute heart failure ? Or which are the commonest sym and siges for Acute" hertil failure?. Thz

Hello Doctor My Heart Efficiency is 30% and I couldn’t breathe properly last week as water went in the lungs. They prescribed me Entresto and BP meds with water pills too. Will this heart efficiency improve in next 6-9 months if I take precautions of healthy eating, no alcohol and no smoking as I quite addictions?

The ground coming up to meet you very quickly indeed. Thats a sign.

I know someone whi gets tired when running and always want to take a rest all the time unknownymous

I have the AVR diagnoses and very tired.

I am having some poin straight to ma heart sometimes I feel like a poin just for 5sc ..sometimes it comes every 5sc again and again.. Sometimes longer

I’ve got all 5 of those. My Family Practice Doctor says my EKG is normal.

So I’ve just recovered from a very nasty bout of double pneumonia and find that I’m having difficulty breathing when trying to do anything like going upstairs or hoovering. No cough and lungs are clear but I’m gasping for air at times. My Doctor says it asthma but I’m doubtful. I’m off for tests but I think the pneumonia has damaged my heart. Can this happen? No swelling or weight gain but am very tired.

What about bloating and high blood pressure is there connection between heart problems or acid reflux?

Breathlessness, my pulse ox dropped to 89 last week, palpations and fatigue, went to the ER at veterans hospital they sent me home saying everything checked out ok🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

General tiredness

I feel all the symptoms but my doctors tell me it was nothing wrong with me till I went to the emergency room much 18,2021 I found out I have congestive heart failure my heart rate be 38 to 45 beats when I eat it go up then it goes back down is this bad

love from Bangladesh