Recognizing the Signs of Cardiac Failure: When to Seek Urgent Care

It's too easy to brush off our bodies' signals in the fast-paced whirlwind of our lives. We strive to keep up with our responsibilities, juggling work, family, and countless commitments. But amidst the chaos, it's crucial to pause and pay attention to the whispers of our hearts. It gives us warning signals to which we should pay attention. 

After reading this article, you will be well informed to help improve your chances of survival by learning the early signs of heart failure to decide when to seek urgent care or emergency care.

We will also delve into the types of heart failure and the conditions that will put you at risk for this cardiac dysfunction. Get ready to learn about heart failure symptoms in women and men. 

What Is Cardiac Failure?

Cardiac failure, also called heart failure, is a disease in which your heart can't pump blood well enough to meet the body's needs. It happens when your heart muscles get weak or hurt, causing the heart to pump less blood and not get enough blood to the rest of your body.

Heart Failure Types

Understanding the different types of heart failure is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. From left-sided heart failure to right-sided heart failure, each type has its unique characteristics and implications for overall health. The condition can affect both sides of the heart, but usually only one. Doctors classify heart failure into three types:

1. Left-Sided Heart Failure: The left ventricle cannot pump enough blood. Thus, blood collects in the pulmonary veins. This causes shortness of breath and coughing, especially during exercise. Most cardiac failures are on the left side.
2. Right-Sided Heart Failure: The right ventricle cannot pump enough lung blood. This builds up blood in the veins, which return blood from organs and tissue to the heart. Vein pressure can force fluid into the surrounding tissue. Fluid accumulates in the legs, genital area, organs, or stomach.
3. Biventricular Heart Failure: Heart damage is present on both sides. This can induce shortness of breath and fluid buildup like left-sided and right-sided heart failure.

Signs of Cardiac Failure That Need Urgent Care

Even though not all weak heart symptoms are emergencies, they can worsen if you don't do something immediately. Call your physician or urgent care provider if you have any of these symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath
2. Getting dizzy or feeling faint
3. Gain three pounds or more in one day.
4. Five pounds of weight gain in one week
5. Strange swelling in the feet, hands, and legs
6. A cough that won't go away or a stuffy chest (the cough can be dry or hacking)
7. Getting more tired or suddenly losing the ability to do everyday things
8. An appetite decline
9. A full or bloated feeling in your stomach
10. Confusion or restlessness.

Signs of Heart Failure That Require Emergency Action

Call for an emergency immediately if you experience any of the following congestive heart failure symptoms:

• Central chest pain (pressure, tightness, or squeezing) that doesn't go away
• A severe or prolonged lack of airflow in the lungs
• Having nausea or blacking out
• Palpitations, fast or irregular pulse, or a racing heart rate that doesn't stop
• Blue or pale tingling of the hands, ankles, and lips
• Coughing out blood

Never delay when you have these symptoms. Remember that every second counts. Dial 911 immediately. 

What Puts You at Risk for Heart Failure?

There are numerous risk factors for cardiac failure. If you have more than one of the following, your heart failure risk increases.

• Getting older can weaken and restrict the heart. Heart failure is more likely to happen to people 65 or older. 
• The genes or family history of heart failure increases your risk of heart failure. 
• Lifestyle factors that raise the likelihood of developing heart failure include, among others, eating poorly and not getting enough exercise.

How to Prevent Cardiac Failure?

If you want to lessen your chances of having heart failure, try these heart-healthy strategies. You have a better chance of preventing or postponing the condition the earlier you start.

1. Choose Healthy Food to Eat and Drink

Select healthy meals and snacks to help avoid heart disease and its effects. Ensure you eat many fresh fruits, veggies, and less processed foods.

• Heart disease can be due to eating many foods high in saturated and trans fat.
• Eating fiber-rich foods low in trans fats can help avoid and stop high cholesterol. Your blood pressure can decrease if you eat less salt (sodium). Also, reduced sugar intake lowers blood sugar, helping prevent or manage diabetes.
• Don't drink too much booze, which can raise your blood pressure. 

2. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Heart disease is more likely to happen to people who are overweight or obese. Your heart and blood vessels can be more stressed when you carry extra weight.

3. Exercise Regularly

Keeping up a regular exercise routine can aid in weight management and control. 

• Hypertension 
• Cholesterol 
• Glucose levels

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommended that individuals engage in a minimum of two hours and 30 minutes of moderately strenuous weekly activity, such as brisk walking or bicycling. Moreover, children and teens should exercise for at least an hour daily.

4. Never Smoke

The chance of developing cardiovascular disease is considerably increased by smoking cigarettes. If you do not smoke, do not begin. While quitting smoking will reduce your risk for heart disease if you are a smoker. Your physician can suggest cessation aids.

5. Control Your Medical Conditions

If you have high cholesterol, excessive blood pressure, or diabetes, lessen your risk for heart disease by 

• Maintaining your blood pressure
• Cholesterol monitoring
• Caring for your diabetes
• Take your medications as prescribed
• Follow-up exams with your physician

Every Beat Matters: Consult the Experts Today

Because every beat matters, and recognizing the signs is the first step toward a healthier, more vibrant future; for your heart health, look up "24-Hour Urgent Care in Camarillo" or "heart clinic in Torrance." This will lead you to 1st Stop Urgent Care and Family Practice, the best urgent clinics.

If you or a loved one experiences cardiac failure-related symptoms of concern, our committed team of medical experts is here to assist you.  Our physicians are adept at treating cardiac disorders. We offer urgent care for various medical conditions, including cardiac issues. 

To visit the clinic of your choice, please ring (310) 328-3434 or click here. Walk-ins are welcome as well.