Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
HEART FAILURE Heart failure can develop as the result of other conditions which have damaged, weakened or stiffened your heart, one of which being old age. It causes symptoms due to the reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and organs, and the build-up of fluid in your body (i.e. congestion). You may feel one or many of these common heart failure symptoms: • Bloated stomach • Chest pain • Coughing • Difficulty with breathing or shortness of breath, especially when doing physical activity • Discomfort when lying flat, due to difficulty with breathing • Dizziness • Heart pounding or racing (i.e. palpitations) • Loss of appetite or nausea • Swollen ankles or legs (i.e. oedema) • Tiredness • Waking overnight due to difficulty with breathing • Weakness
• Dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint or feeling anxious. • Nausea, indigestion, vomiting. • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing – with or
without chest discomfort. • Sweating or a cold sweat.
68
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online