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6 Warning Signs of Heart Failure You Shouldn’t Ignore

October 26, 2025

Tired? Bloated? Short of breath?

It’s easy to brush them off as signs of aging or a stressful week — but they could be your heart’s way of sounding the alarm.

“These kinds of symptoms are easy to overlook, but when they stick around, they could point to something more serious — like early heart failure,” says Liran Blum, MD, a cardiologist with the Heart & Vascular Institute at Hartford HealthCare.

If any of those symptoms sound familiar, here’s what you need to know.

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What exactly is heart failure?

It sounds scary – but heart failure doesn’t actually mean that your heart is weak or failing. It generally means that your heart is too stiff to pump blood as effectively as it should.

This often happens slowly over time, due to things like:

Clogged arteries, heart attack or coronary artery disease
High blood pressure
Heart valve problems

“Other conditions like diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea or thyroid disorders can also raise your risk,” Dr. Blum notes.

The good news is that it’s treatable

But early action is key.

“Heart failure is manageable, especially if we catch it early,” says Dr. Blum. “We have lifestyle tools, medications and devices that can dramatically improve how patients feel and function.”

A few simple steps can help you manage heart failure:

Weigh yourself daily
Take your medications as prescribed
Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet
Exercise regularly
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco products

“In many cases, these small lifestyle changes are enough to manage heart failure. But if the condition has progressed further, we may look to interventions like surgery or devices like cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or pacemaker, or a ventricular assist device (VAD) to help your heart pump blood,” says Dr. Blum. “That’s why catching it early is so important.”

6 early signs of heart failure to look out for

1. You’re out of breath doing things that used to be easy

Suddenly finding yourself out of breath walking to the mailbox, or winded after climbing a few stairs? Even lying flat might leave you gasping for air.

That’s not just being out of shape. That’s a sign your heart could be struggling to pump blood the way it should.

“Shortness of breath is one of the most common early signs of heart failure,” says Dr. Blum. “It can happen whether you’re active, at rest or lying down — and it shouldn’t be ignored.”

2. You’ve developed a weird, lingering cough

You don’t have a cold. You don’t have allergies. So why won’t that cough go away?

If it’s persistent — and especially if you’re coughing up white or pink, frothy mucus — your heart might be to blame.

“When the heart isn’t pumping properly, it can cause fluid to build up in your lungs,” Dr. Blum notes. “That’s what triggers that stubborn cough or wheeze.”

3. Nothing seems to fit anymore

If you’ve suddenly gained a few pounds, but haven’t been eating any differently, fluid buildup could be the culprit.

“With heart failure, swelling often shows up in the ankles, legs, feet, or belly,” says Dr. Blum. “People may think they’re gaining weight, but it’s actually fluid retention.”

Look out for clues like tight rings, or deep marks left behind from your socks.

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4. You’re tired — all the time

You’re used to being tired from your work or kids – but this feels different.

“If everyday things like getting dressed, walking to your car, or making dinner suddenly feel like a marathon, that’s a huge red flag,” says Dr. Blum.

That fatigue – especially if it won’t go away with rest – could mean your heart isn’t pumping enough blood to the rest of your body.

5. You’ve lost your appetite

If your favorite foods just don’t sound appealing lately or you get full after only a few bites, heat failure could be the culprit.

“The same fluid buildup that causes swelling can also upset your digestive system,” Dr. Blum notes.

That discomfort can make it hard to maintain good nutrition, which in turn affects energy levels and recovery.

6. You feel foggy or forgetful

Brain fog, poor concentration, forgetfulness — they’re all easy to blame on stress or lack of sleep.

“When the brain doesn’t get enough blood or oxygen, you might notice memory problems, mood changes or even symptoms of depression,” says Dr. Blum.

These symptoms can sneak up gradually, making them easy to overlook or attribute to aging.

Bottom line? Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

If something doesn’t feel right — physically or mentally — it’s worth checking in.

“Signs of heart failure don’t always announce themselves loudly,” says Dr. Blum. “But your body is always trying to send you messages. It’s just a matter of whether you’re listening.”