Why does heart failure cause fatigue?

With heart failure, the heart may not deliver blood as efficiently as the body needs during activity. Muscles and organs then have less reserve for walking, climbing stairs, washing, cooking, or concentrating. The body may also work harder to compensate, which can leave you drained even after a small task.

Fatigue is a common presentation of Heart Failure. It does not identify the cause by itself: poor sleep, anaemia, infection, thyroid problems, low mood and medicine effects can also contribute. A change from your usual level of energy is more informative than fatigue alone.

Tell your clinician how fatigue has changed and which activities now make you stop. Note breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, swelling, appetite changes, sleep disruption and any recent illness. Space demanding tasks through the day, take seated breaks, and follow the activity and fluid guidance already given to you.

Continue prescribed treatment unless a clinician advises otherwise. Bring every medicine, supplement and herbal product to review, because some can affect blood pressure, heart rhythm or alertness.

Get urgent medical help if exhaustion is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness at rest, new confusion, or a cold sweaty feeling. Contact your care team promptly when fatigue suddenly worsens, prevents usual self-care, or occurs with fast weight change, increasing swelling, or reduced urine output.

Could fluid retention, blood pressure, heart rhythm, sleep, or another illness be contributing to this fatigue? Which activities are suitable for me now? Do my medicines need review, and what symptom changes should I report between visits?