Symptoms that appear while lying down warn of heart failure

Heart failure often develops silently over many years. However, once the disease has progressed, just one cardiovascular event can turn the patient's life upside down, even causing death.

Heart failure is also known as congestive heart failure. It occurs when the heart weakens and can no longer pump blood effectively. Heart failure often progresses silently over time, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Heart failure causes the body to retain fluid, which can lead to weight gain.

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It is important to detect the symptoms of heart failure early. Without early intervention, heart failure increases the risk of serious complications such as blood clots that cause stroke or pulmonary embolism.

People should see a doctor for heart failure if they lie down and frequently experience the following symptoms:

Can't lie flat

Many people with heart problems will have fluid buildup in their lungs, making it difficult for them to lie flat in bed, especially on their backs. So if you wake up in the middle of the night with difficulty breathing or have to sleep with your head elevated, it could be due to fluid buildup in your lungs. You should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Wheeze

Fluid buildup in the lungs also causes wheezing, especially when lying down. This condition also causes fluid buildup in and around the trachea, causing difficulty breathing and coughing similar to asthma symptoms.

Swollen ankles

If your legs are often swollen after lying in bed for many hours, especially when you first wake up, it could be due to a heart problem. Experts say that when the heart is weak, blood circulation slows down, causing blood to pool in the veins of the legs. The result is that the legs are prone to swelling, especially the ankles.

Weight gain

It may sound strange, but one of the warning signs of heart failure is weight gain. This is because the heart's ability to pump blood is impaired, causing fluid to accumulate in places such as the lungs and legs. This results in increased body weight.

Heart failure is a dangerous and preventable disease. The first thing people need to do is limit their intake of harmful fats, such as greasy foods and sugary foods. In addition, experts recommend regular exercise and quitting smoking, according to Healthline .