In this day and age, feeling constantly tired seems to just be something we all have to deal with. Trying to juggle the many responsibilities we all face can often prove a daunting task. However, feeling constantly tired could actually be a sign of a hidden and dangerous condition. In this article, we will find out more about this condition and what you should do about it.
Why Am I Constantly Tired?
A consultant geriatrician, Professor Julia Newton, recently informed the British Heart Foundation that fatigue is more than just feeling exhausted after a night of bad sleep. According to Professor Newton, “Essentially fatigue is the overwhelming feeling of lacking energy. People often describe it as a battery running out. They might start the day with a full battery, but it runs down too quickly. Another common sign of fatigue is when people wake up feeling just as exhausted as they did yesterday, even after sleeping reasonably well”.
Signs of a Serious Condition
While this may sound horrible in and of itself, it may represent a symptom of a serious ailment that impacts 900,000 individuals in the UK. Unfortunately, it is usually detected too late to avoid long-term damage. However, going to a practitioner if you’re feeling particularly fatigued may help you detect it early. Doctors have warned that fatigue could actually be an indicator of heart failure, a silent threat to the public. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood throughout the body due to stiffness or weakness, according to the NHS.
Heart Failure Symptoms
So, what are the symptoms that are usually associated with heart failure? Shortness of breath, swollen feet, ankles, and legs, inexplicable increase in weight, disorientation, dizziness, a recurring cough, a bloated stomach, a fast heart rate, appetite loss, or palpitations are all symptoms that may accompany fatigue.
What The Experts Say
According to the British Heart Foundation, 40% of individuals with heart failure received a diagnosis too late. This was sometimes due to their failure to recognize that their fatigue was part of a bigger problem. “One of the earliest and most overlooked symptoms of heart failure is persistent fatigue. When your heart is under strain, it struggles to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and tissues, leaving you feeling utterly drained”, noted the doctor. If you begin to have symptoms, it is essential that you get medical attention as quickly as possible. The signs of heart failure can differ from one person to another and they can start unexpectedly or build gradually over weeks or months. Acute heart failure occurs quickly, while chronic heart failure may take time to progress.
Lowering Your Risk of Heart Failure
Here are some steps you could take to reduce your likelihood of developing it or to manage your symptoms. First off, make a few crucial lifestyle adjustments such as eating a nutritious diet, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly. Make it your goal to consume around five portions of vegetables and fruit every day. Cut down on saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Eat meals based on starchy foods like rice, pasta, and potatoes. Include pulses, beans, eggs, fish, and other protein sources. You can also take certain medications to help keep your symptoms under control. You can also opt to get an implanted device in your chest or have a bypass or transplant.
The Bottom Line on Feeling Constantly Tired
Persistent fatigue may seem like an unavoidable part of life, but it could be your body’s way of communicating a deeper problem, such as heart failure. You can greatly reduce your risk and gain control of your health by detecting symptoms early, implementing healthy lifestyle changes, and getting fast medical assistance. Remember that listening to your body and acting swiftly can make all the difference in avoiding long-term consequences.
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