After a busy festive period, you may find yourself feeling worn down and exhausted, even if you’ve been sleeping well. But blaming it on a busy lifestyle can have its consequences.
Cardiologist Dr James Wetherby has warned of the hidden dangers behind feeling “tired all the time”. While this symptom may seem harmless, and even normal for someone with a busy life, new research has revealed that constant fatigue could signal the onset of heart failure.
There are 200,000 new diagnoses of heart failure every year and more than 900,000 people in the UK are affected by this condition, which is often diagnosed too late, Surrey Live reports.
Ignoring extreme tiredness could put your health at risk Here’s everything you need to know to spot the warning signs of heart failure early on.
Silent danger of heart failure
This condition occurs when the heart is struggling to effectively pump blood around your body, which leads to poor oxygenation and circulation. Dr James Wetherby explains: “One of the earliest and most overlooked symptoms of heart failure is persistent fatigue. When your heart is under strain, it struggles to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and tissues, leaving you feeling utterly drained.”
While there are more evident symptoms of heart problems, like chest pain or shortness of breath, fatigue often flies under the radar as an indicator of the condition. Research from the British Heart Foundation reveals that up to 40 per cent of people with heart failure were initially diagnosed late, which was partly due to them mistaking their symptoms for everyday exhaustion.
Spotting the warning signs
But fatigue is just one symptom of this health condition. Here are other subtle indicators of heart failure:
- Shortness of breath – especially during routine activities or when lying down.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet – caused by fluid retention due to the heart’s reduced pumping ability.
- Unexplained weight gain – another result of fluid build-up.
- Difficulty concentrating or confusion – a sign that your brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen.
If you are experiencing these symptoms alongside persistent tiredness, you should consult your GP as soon as possible.
What can you do?
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing or worsening heart failure.
- Get Active : At least half an hour of moderate exercise per day can decrease your risk of developing the condition. Even taking a brisk walk can improve your cardiovascular health.
- Eat Heart-Healthy Foods : Eat less saturated fats and processed sugars. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve heart health.
- Prioritise Sleep : Aim for seven–nine hours of rest each night, as a poor sleeping pattern has been linked to worsening the risk of the health condition.
- Know Your Numbers : Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight to catch potential issues early.
- Act on Symptoms : Don’t ignore unusual tiredness, swelling, or breathlessness. Seek medical advice promptly.
Why this matters now
Health and wellness specialists from Ski Famille note that rising awareness is critical, particularly as more people adopt office jobs and less active lifestyles. “People often assume fatigue is normal because it’s so common,” a spokesperson said. “But understanding the root cause is key to addressing it—and potentially preventing life-threatening complications like heart failure.”
It’s crucial to stay vigilant in the winter months, when many of us are less active and indulge in more comfort food. These factors can exacerbate underlying heart issues without immediate symptoms, making it all the more important to look after your health. For more information, visit the NHS website.
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