Excessive daytime sleepiness, possibly due to heart failure

The American Heart Association (AHA) states that one of the important but often overlooked aspects in heart failure patients is daytime sleepiness. Heart failure causes the heart to pump blood less efficiently, leading to various health problems, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Heart failure can cause daytime sleepiness and is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

The heart's function is to pump oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body, enabling organs to function efficiently. When the heart doesn't pump enough blood, the body prioritizes the functioning of vital organs like the brain and heart. This diverts blood away from less important organs, including the arms and legs. As a result, the body feels tired, weak, lethargic, and sleepy.

Daytime fatigue and sleepiness can have many different causes. However, if accompanied by certain symptoms, the patient should see a doctor immediately as it could very well be due to heart failure.

Symptoms associated with drowsiness

The first sign is shortness of breath. When the heart doesn't pump blood properly, fluid builds up in the lungs. This fluid can cause shortness of breath, coughing, or persistent wheezing. Sometimes, this happens suddenly at night and affects sleep.

Additionally, people with heart failure may experience edema, swelling in areas such as the feet, ankles, lower legs, fingers, and abdomen. This occurs because the heart is not pumping blood efficiently, causing blood and fluid to accumulate in the veins. This fluid then seeps into the tissues, causing edema.

Sleepiness due to heart failure is often accompanied by digestive problems, such as feeling full or nauseous. This is because insufficient blood flow to the intestines and stomach prevents proper absorption of nutrients from food. Heart rate increases and the heart beats faster as the heart tries to pump blood more efficiently to compensate for the reduced output.

People with heart failure may also experience other symptoms such as reduced blood flow to the brain, causing difficulty concentrating, confusion, poor memory, and disorientation. If heart failure is suspected, patients should see a doctor for examination and appropriate treatment, according to Healthline.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/buon-ngu-qua-muc-vao-ban-ngay-co-the-la-do-suy-tim-185231112233737314.htm