Heart failure doesn’t always strike suddenly — it often develops quietly, with early warning signs that many people mistake for aging, fatigue, or stress. Yet, recognizing these subtle symptoms early could literally save your life.

Millions of people live with heart failure, but most don’t realize their heart is struggling until the condition becomes severe. Here are thirteen important signs your body might be giving you right now.

1. Shortness of Breath During Light Activity
Feeling breathless after climbing a single flight of stairs or walking a short distance can be more than just being “out of shape.” When the heart weakens, it can’t pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body’s needs during activity. The lungs compensate, forcing you to breathe harder.