Cardiologist Dr. James Wetherby highlights that ongoing fatigue is often one of the ‘earliest and most overlooked symptoms’ of another condition, which can be lethal if not treated properly.
This condition is heart failure, which arises when the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it should.
The onset of heart failure can be sudden or develop over time. According to research by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), 40 percent of people with heart failure receive a late diagnosis, partly because they don’t recognize the symptoms as indicative of the condition.
The BHF notes that heart failure impacts bodily functions, such as breathing and muscle strength, leading to fatigue.
‘Feeling increasingly tired or weak at rest which gets worse with movement’ is a symptom described by the foundation. Dr. Wetherby, as reported by Surrey Live, elaborated: “When your heart is under strain, it struggles to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and tissues, leaving you feeling utterly drained.”
Fatigue associated with heart failure can vary, with Professor Julia Newton, a consultant geriatrician, explaining: “For some people, fatigue is a constant presence, while for others, it comes and goes.”
Speaking to the BHF, Professor Newton added: “It can also be linked to symptoms like brain fog and muscle aches.
“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.”
The BHF advises individuals experiencing persistent fatigue or other symptoms of heart failure to consult a doctor.
There are also four other primary symptoms to be aware of: