A well-known doctor has examined the most prevalent signs of heart failure, as roughly 200,000 cases arise annually in the UK. Whilst many people believe that ‘heart failure means death’, the medical professional stressed that this isn’t necessarily true and provided further insight into managing the long-term condition. 

Heart failure, a condition affecting approximately 200,000 individuals each year in the UK, is often misunderstood. Despite common perceptions linking it to imminent death, a prominent doctor has clarified that this is not always the case. Heart failure, while serious, is a condition that can be managed with proper care and attention.

Dr. Suraj Kukadia, popularly known on social media as Dr. Sooj, took to TikTok to dispel myths surrounding heart failure. “Many people equate heart failure with death,” he explained. “However, it actually occurs when the heart’s efficiency at pumping blood diminishes, but it doesn’t mean the end is near.”

In his video, Dr. Sooj outlined six primary symptoms of heart failure. “Common signs include severe breathlessness during physical activity or even while resting,” he noted. “Breathlessness can also occur when lying flat, and some might find themselves waking up at night gasping for air. Additionally, swelling in the ankles or legs is a typical symptom, known as pitting oedema, where pressing the swollen area leaves an indentation.”

Alongside these symptoms, the NHS provides further guidance, mentioning other, less frequent indicators such as a persistent cough, wheezing, and abdominal bloating. These symptoms, however, should not be immediately interpreted as heart failure, as they can be associated with other, less severe health issues.

• A persistent cough, which may be worse at night
• Wheezing
• A bloated tummy
• Loss of appetite
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Confusion
• A fast heart rate
• A pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Depression and anxiety

Dr. Sooj cautioned against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing the importance of ruling out other conditions to ensure an accurate diagnosis. While heart failure is a serious condition, understanding its symptoms and seeking appropriate medical advice can lead to effective management of the disease.

In the video, he continued: “For example, lots of people will get swollen ankles when there’s really hot weather outside. So if you are, let’s say, 20 years old, you’re normally fit and well, you’re otherwise fit and well, and then you’ve noticed that you’re getting a bit breathless when you’re exercising, that doesn’t mean that you have heart failure.

“That could be any number of different things. To diagnose it, we take a history, we examine you, we try to understand other things that might be affecting your health, and then we can do some investigations.

“So a blood test, an ultrasound scan of the heart, called an echocardiogram. But the principles of treatment usually focus on slowing down the heart rates, reducing blood pressure, and offloading fluid.”

The NHS likewise recommends anyone experiencing ‘persistent or gradually worsening’ symptoms of heart failure should consult a GP. Should symptoms become extremely severe or suddenly deteriorate, dial 999 or visit your nearest A&E department.

The NHS adds: “Heart failure does not mean your heart has stopped working. It means it needs some support to help it work better. It can occur at any age, but is most common in older people.

“Heart failure is a long-term condition that tends to get gradually worse over time. It cannot usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be controlled for many years.”

For more information on heart failure, you can also read more at the NHS website here.