Confusing symptoms of heart failure could be going undetected as cases rise

Heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood as efficiently as the body needs, is expected to become more common in the United States. Projections put the number of Americans living with heart failure at 6.7 million in 2024, rising to 11.4 million by 2050, a trend driven by higher rates of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Health officials say a sizable portion of those with the condition are unaware of it because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for aging or another illness. Medical experts say that early recognition and treatment can slow progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization.

Doctors point to a set of warning signs that people often overlook. Dr. John Jefferies, chief medical officer at Daxor, told The New York Post that the list includes shortness of breath with exertion or when lying flat, sudden nighttime breathlessness, persistent fatigue, swelling of the legs or abdomen and rapid weight gain. Bendopnea — shortness of breath when bending over — is another signal. Jefferies also notes that nonclassic symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite and feeling full quickly can occur with heart failure, and many of these signs are shared with other conditions, complicating diagnosis. The pattern and seriousness of symptoms can vary by age and gender, adding another layer of nuance. Harvard Health notes that having one parent with heart failure raises a person’s risk by roughly 70% compared with someone without a family history.

Heart failure results when the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In many cases, damage accumulates before symptoms appear. Risk factors include chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome and exposure to cardiotoxic agents such as certain chemotherapy drugs. By understanding these risks, individuals can discuss prevention and early screening with their health care providers.

Once symptoms emerge, the condition is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Medical literature and clinicians emphasize that the goal is to preserve existing heart muscle function through a combination of medical therapy, devices and lifestyle modification, with the aim of avoiding hospitalization for heart failure symptoms. If hospitalization occurs, one-year mortality is typically in the 20% to 30% range, and by the second year the figure nears 50%.

Public health officials and clinicians stress regular medical checkups for people with risk factors or a family history, as well as adherence to treatment plans and risk-reducing lifestyle changes such as managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising as advised and limiting cardiotoxic exposures where possible. The rising trajectory of heart failure underscores the need for awareness and timely care to prevent progression and improve outcomes.