Many people wait too long to seek medical attention for heart failure because they don’t recognize the symptoms. Knowing the early signs of heart failure can help you get the treatment you need before the condition worsens. Here are 9 symptoms that shouldn’t be overlooked.

John Smith, a 52-year-old man, found himself feeling increasingly tired and run down. At first, he attributed it to stress at work, but the fatigue didn’t go away even when he took time off to rest. It wasn’t until he mentioned his exhaustion to his doctor that he learned it could be a sign of heart failure. Persistent fatigue, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or swollen ankles, could indicate a problem with the heart.

Mary Johnson, a 45-year-old woman, noticed that she was getting winded just walking up a flight of stairs, even though she had never had trouble breathing before. She also found herself waking up at night feeling short of breath. These symptoms prompted her to see her doctor, who diagnosed her with heart failure. Shortness of breath that occurs during normal activities or at rest should not be ignored.

David Miller, a 60-year-old man, was surprised to find that his shoes were suddenly too tight, and his ankles were swollen. He assumed it was a normal part of aging, but when the swelling didn’t go away, he sought medical attention. His doctor explained that swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen could be a sign of fluid buildup related to heart failure.

Sarah Brown, a 55-year-old woman, used to enjoy going for long walks every day. However, she found that she was getting tired much more quickly than usual and couldn’t keep up her usual pace. She also experienced a feeling of weakness in her legs that she couldn’t shake. These changes in her ability to exercise led her to seek medical advice, and she was diagnosed with heart failure.

Michael Davis, a 50-year-old man, developed a nagging cough that wouldn’t go away, even after he finished a course of antibiotics. It got worse when he lay down at night, and he often found himself gasping for breath during these coughing fits. His doctor explained that a persistent cough, especially one accompanied by white or pink mucus, could indicate heart failure.

Emma Garcia, a 48-year-old woman, began experiencing discomfort in her upper abdomen that she couldn’t attribute to any specific cause. It felt like a fullness or pressure that wouldn’t go away. Her doctor discovered that this could be related to fluid buildup caused by heart failure.

William Lee, a 57-year-old man, noticed that his weight was increasing rapidly, even though he hadn’t made any significant changes to his diet or exercise routine. His doctor explained that sudden and unexplained weight gain, especially if it’s several pounds in a matter of days, could be a sign of fluid retention due to heart failure.

Rebecca Anderson, a 49-year-old woman, found herself losing interest in food and struggling to finish meals that used to be easy for her. She also noticed a sudden loss of taste for salty foods. These changes in appetite, especially if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or swelling, could be indicative of heart failure.

Daniel Martinez, a 51-year-old man, started experiencing confusion and difficulty concentrating at work. He struggled to remember details and found himself feeling disoriented even in familiar settings. His doctor explained that heart failure can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to symptoms like confusion or impaired thinking.