Are you constantly feeling tired and wondering if it could be related to your heart health? Karetrip explores the connection between fatigue and heart health in this blog.

Feeling exhausted all the time can be concerning, but understanding its link to your heart can help you take proactive steps towards better health.

Let's dive into the world of fatigue and its implications for your heart health together.

Gaining More Information About Fatigue Fatigue extends beyond just tiredness following a prolonged day or inadequate sleep. It manifests as a constant energy depletion and drive, disrupting daily routines and overall well-being of a person.

Fatigue may manifest physically, mentally, or both, with causative factors differing among each individual.

Although fatigue is often used synonymously with tiredness and sleepiness, in medical terms, it represents a distinct ailment.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, individuals experiencing fatigue feel extremely drained to the extent that it noticeably disrupts their daily activities. While feeling tired might result in slowness at work, fatigue could lead to missing work altogether.

Fatigue also frequently impacts sleep quality. Despite a strong desire to sleep, those with chronic fatigue typically don't experience a sense of refreshment or rejuvenation even after a full night's rest.

Other indicators of fatigue include:

• Daytime drowsiness
• Difficulty maintaining focus or concentration
• Overall sense of physical and mental discomfort
• Reduced motivation, even for previously enjoyable activities
• Muscle weakness, stiffness, or pain
• Feelings of nervousness or irritability

Contributing Factors to Fatigue

Numerous elements contribute to fatigue, including:

• Lack Of Proper Sleep

Insufficient or low-quality sleep can result in exhaustion during daytime.

• Stress

Persistent stress can reduce energy levels and induce fatigue.

• Inactive Lifestyle

Lack of physical movement can cause muscle weakness and tiredness.

• Subpar Nutrition

A diet that is lacking in essential nutrients can result in lethargy and tiredness.

• Medical Ailments

Underlying health conditions like anemia, thyroid irregularities, and depression can trigger fatigue.

The Connection Between Fatigue & Cardiac Health

Although fatigue can stem from various sources, it is closely intertwined with heart wellness. Various heart-related disorders can induce or worsen fatigue:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

CAD or Coronary Artery Disease as it is commonly called, arises when heart-supplying arteries narrow or block due to plaque buildup. Diminished blood flow to the heart muscle can lead to chest discomfort (angina) and fatigue, particularly during physical exertion.

• Heart Rhythm Irregularities

Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, can prevent efficient pumping of blood, resulting in fatigue and weakness.

• Valvular Heart Conditions

Dysfunctional heart valves can affect internal blood flow, manifesting as fatigue, breathlessness, and chest pain.

Heart Infections

Heart Infections have various symptoms including -

• Fever

• Chills

• Night sweats

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Swelling in your legs, feet, or abdomen

• Abnormal heartbeat

• Pain in the center or left side of your chest that often gets worse when you lie down or take a deep breath.

• A dry cough that may be persistent

• Rash or strange spots

• Weight gain

• Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart is not able to pump blood properly to meet the demands of the body. It is an after effect of many heart diseases.

In the initial stages of heart failure, there will not be any noticeable symptoms. As the condition gets to worsen, the common noticeable symptoms are -

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Irregular heart beat

Other symptoms are

• Swelling in areas of your legs, ankles, and feet

• Experiencing a sensation of dizziness or light-headedness.

• Fainting

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Intolerance to exercise

• Elevated Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Chronic hypertension can pressure the heart, that triggers fatigue, particularly if unnoticed.

• Atherosclerotic Disease

Atherosclerotic disease arises due to building up of plaque inside the blood vessels . The occurrence of symptoms happen when atherosclerotic plaques prevent blood flow to one or more important body organs especially, the heart or brain.

Symptoms

• Pain or feeling of discomfort in chest
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in neck, jaw and back areas
• Nausea
• Numbness or weakness in legs or arms

Identifying Indications

Fatigue linked with heart-related concerns may manifest distinctively compared to general weariness. Certain signs to be vigilant for comprise:

• Persistent fatigue unalleviated by rest.
• Fatigue combined with additional symptoms like breathlessness, chest discomfort, or palpitations.
• Fatigue exacerbates with physical exertion.
• Fatigue disrupts daily tasks and life quality.

When to Pursue Medical Assistance

When you face enduring fatigue or any of the aforementioned associated indications, timely seeking medical aid is essential.

Your healthcare provider can conduct a comprehensive review, encompassing a physical examination, review of medical history, and diagnostic assessments, to find out the underlying cause of fatigue and propose suitable intervention.

Preventing Weariness and Bolstering Heart Wellness

While some fatigue-contributing factors may lie beyond your influence, adopting measures to enhance heart health and diminish fatigue is feasible:

• Focus in Regular Physical Activity

Aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to improve cardiovascular fitness and augment vitality levels.

• Embrace a Balanced Eating Regimen

Incorporate a diverse variety of nutrient-rich food items in your diet such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and beneficial fats to improve overall health and vigor.

• Manage Stress

Employ stress-reducing methods like mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga to reduce stress levels and fortify resilience.

• Prioritize Enough Sleep

Establish a consistent sleep routine and cultivate a calming bedtime practice to enhance sleep quality and to reduce weariness.

• Maintain Proper Hydration

Consume ample water throughout the day to maintain hydration levels and uphold optimal bodily functions.

• Cease Smoking

If you smoke, seek assistance to discontinue smoking, as it can markedly ameliorate heart health and overall well-being.

• Monitor Cardiac Health

Keep checks on your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other significant heart health indicators, and routinely consult with your healthcare provider.