Practical heart failure information for patients, families, and caregivers
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WARNING SIGNS
TOPICS
Introduction
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Awakening short of breath/needing more pillows
Fainting and/or dizziness
Palpitations
Cough
Rapid weight gain
Swelling or pain in the abdomen
Increased swelling of the legs or ankles
Loss of appetite/nausea
Increasing fatigue

Palpitations 

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If you have palpitations as a symptom of your heart failure, you will feel like your heart is racing or throbbing and your heart beat may seem irregular, with beats of varying strength.

Palpitations indicate an irregular heart beat and this may have been caused by the heart speeding up to compensate for its failing ability to pump blood normally. A common cause is the sudden onset of a rapid irregular heart rate (atrial fibrillation). This may lead to increasing dizziness and/or shortness of breath but is treatable.

If your palpitations have worsened or are making you feel light headed or dizzy, then you should seek medical attention immediately.

 

 

 
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