NHS Urges 999 Call for Sudden or Severe Heart Failure Symptoms
The NHS advises calling 999 immediately if you experience sudden or severe symptoms of heart failure. One lesser-known yet common early warning sign is swelling in the ankles, which could signal a potentially life-threatening condition.
Understanding Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively. It’s a chronic, usually progressive condition that worsens over time. While it can’t typically be cured, many symptoms can be managed for years with proper treatment.
In an update, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) highlighted several key warning signs to watch for. They explained that heart failure is often categorized by stages or classes to assess symptom severity and impact on daily life. The most widely used system, the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, divides heart failure into four classes based on physical limitations and symptoms.
Swollen Ankles: A Common Early Symptom
The NHS lists swollen ankles and legs—a condition called oedema—as one of the most common symptoms of heart failure. This swelling is caused by fluid buildup due to the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood efficiently. The pressure forces fluid into surrounding tissues, particularly in the lower body.
Oedema may be milder in the morning and worsen later in the day. According to Medical News Today, it may also cause:
- Puffiness or swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Skin that appears shiny or stretched
- Skin colour changes
- Skin that retains an indentation after pressing
- Discomfort, stiffness, or heaviness in the limbs
Other Causes of Oedema Include:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- High salt intake
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications (e.g. blood pressure drugs, contraceptives, hormone therapy, antidepressants, steroids)
- Injuries or insect bites
- Kidney or liver problems
- Blood clots or infections
Other Signs of Heart Failure
Common symptoms of heart failure include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying down
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Persistent cough (often worse at night)
- Wheezing, bloating, reduced appetite, and weight changes
- Confusion or memory issues
- Psychological symptoms like depression or anxiety
The NHS advises: “See your GP if you experience persistent or gradually worsening symptoms of heart failure.”
For sudden or severe symptoms, “Call 999 or go to A\&E immediately.”
