10. Dizziness or Near-Fainting Spells
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or almost fainting when you stand or exert yourself can signal poor blood flow to the brain. A weak heart can’t maintain stable blood pressure, especially during sudden movements.
While dehydration or medication can cause dizziness, recurring episodes alongside other symptoms suggest a drop in cardiac output — a key early indicator of heart failure.
11. Abdominal Bloating and Poor Appetite
Heart failure affects more than your heart. It disrupts circulation throughout your body, including your digestive system. Reduced blood flow to your stomach and intestines can lead to bloating, nausea, or feeling full after eating very little.
Fluid buildup around the liver can cause discomfort in the upper right abdomen, while persistent bloating or loss of appetite may make eating difficult. If digestive issues appear with fatigue or swelling, your heart might be the root cause.
12. Shortness of Breath When Bending Forward (Bendopnea)
If bending to tie your shoes or pick something up makes you short of breath, this rare but specific symptom — called bendopnea — might indicate elevated pressure inside your heart.
It occurs because bending compresses your chest and abdomen, increasing pressure on an already struggling heart. This symptom often appears in people with more advanced heart failure and shouldn’t be ignored.
