Heart Failure Awareness: Know the Signs, Reduce the Risk

WOMEN'S HEALTH
Written By Shazia Chaudhry, MD, MSCP
A concierge doctor examining a patient with a stethoscope.

Heart Failure: Recognize the Silent Threat

Heart failure affects over 6 million Americans, yet its early warning signs often go unnoticed or are dismissed as normal aging. Understanding these symptoms can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes.

Heart failure is a progressive disease in which the heart fails to pump blood efficiently. It is one of the top reasons for hospitalization and affects more than 6 million Americans. However, few people know its early warning signs, which are frequently misinterpreted as the natural aging process or benign health issues.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Detection early on may lead to better outcomes. Watch for:

✔ Shortness of breath — Particularly with exertion or when lying down

✔ Swelling (edema) — In the legs, ankles, feet or abdomen

✔ Chronic fatigue – A daily sensation of tiredness

✔ Palpitations – indication that heart is working harder

✔ Chronic cough or wheezing — usually bringing pink, frothy mucus

✔ Unexplained weight gain – Fluid retention from poor cardiac output

✔ Regularly needing to urinate at night — Because of shifting fluids within the body

Know Your Risk Factors for Heart Failure

Heart failure risk increases with conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. While family history plays a role, managing lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity can significantly reduce your risk.

Who’s at Risk?

Heart failure is caused by several conditions and lifestyle factors, including:

🔹 High BP – Hypertension uncontrolled acts on what weakens heart in long term

🔹 Coronary artery disease — Ischemic arteries reduce blood supply

🔹 Diabetes – raises the risk of heart complications

🔹 Obesity – Puts pressure on the heart and increases blood pressure

🔹 Smoking & alcohol abuse — Impairs heart muscle & blood vessels

🔹 Family history — Genetics are a factor

How to Manage and Prevent Heart Failure

Though some risk factors are unavoidable, lifestyle changes and medical management can greatly decrease risk and delay progression:

 

A heart-healthy lifestyle isn't just about avoiding heart disease—it's about thriving in good health, feeling energized, and ensuring that your heart continues to support a long, healthy life.

 

Take charge of your heart health today. Contact us to schedule a heart health checkup.

Shazia Chaudhry, MD, MSCP

Dr. Shazia Chaudhry is an experienced internal medicine physician with over 18 years of practice. A graduate of Kent State University and trained at the University of Cincinnati, she recently transitioned from hospital medicine to outpatient care at Concierge Medicine of Cincinnati. Dr. Chaudhry specializes in women's health and is certified as a Menopause provider. She is passionate about building strong patient relationships and providing holistic, personalized care. Outside of medicine, she enjoys yoga, reading, and cheering for the Bengals.

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Cardiovascular Lifestyle Prevention: A Key to Heart Health