Fatigue is a subjective symptom, impossible to see and difficult to quantify; it can be linked to a multitude of physical conditions.
Perception varies from person to person.
This sensation of being tired is expressed variably from one person to another, despite similar physical conditions or health status. Some individuals do not experience fatigue or only rarely, while others often report feeling tired.
Are there any other symptoms associated with it?
Isolated fatigue, that is, without other symptoms, is rarely of cardiac origin.
The most commonly associated cardiac symptoms with fatigue are shortness of breath and/or chest pain. Identifying the source of fatigue is very difficult and poses a significant challenge for healthcare professionals.
CARDIAC FATIGUE
Cardiac fatigue most often accompanies a chronic heart condition. It is rarely the first manifestation of a recent heart problem. The symptom of fatigue usually accompanies shortness of breath.
This is the case with cardiac fatigue accompanying chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (a tired heart).
The impact of slowed blood circulation.
Indeed, when cardiac performance is severely disrupted, bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood circulation slows down. Several organs in the body can be affected. Oxygenation and the supply of nutrients to vital organs are compromised, leading to reduced function.
The liver and kidneys are then less effective in their role, which includes removing waste from our bodies. Toxins accumulate, the body becomes poisoned, and this can potentially lead to the onset of fatigue symptoms. Brain functions such as concentration and memory may be slowed down as much as physical performance; even the slightest effort can be perceived as difficult.
It is possible to feel better. But, beware! Despite reduced cardiac function, some people have a cardiovascular condition that allows them to remain active and maintain a satisfactory level of activity to enjoy a full and happy life. Let’s look at this from another angle and examine more deeply how individuals who are “sick,” meaning those with a weakened heart, can still be active and well.
Possible to feel good
It is possible to feel better. But, beware! Despite reduced cardiac function, some people have a cardiovascular condition that allows them to remain active and maintain a satisfactory level of activity to enjoy a full and happy life.
Let’s look at this from another angle and examine more deeply how individuals who are “sick,” meaning those with a weakened heart, can still be active and well.
The MARATHONER
The marathon runner trains regularly for long-distance running. Their cardiovascular system is accustomed to this kind of high-level physical activity.
Optimal cardiovascular performance
The marathon runner’s resting heart rate is slower, and the normal acceleration of the heart during exertion is less rapid. The left ventricle cavity is slightly larger, allowing the heart to eject a greater volume of bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood into circulation with each beat. The pump (the heart) is very efficient, expending less energy but pumping more bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood with each beat.
Circulation is also more efficient, ensuring optimal delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. Waste products produced by the muscles are rapidly eliminated through circulation in the veins, then cleared by the lungs, kidneys, and liver. Thus, the runner can sustain their high-level exercise thanks to the efficiency of their trained heart.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Our daily activities also require cardiac work, and since they are performed regularly, we are trained for this level of activity.
Walking, climbing stairs, carrying a package or other objects, all require cardiac work to meet the muscular demand and eliminate toxins from the body.
The heart rate and bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure increase to provide the necessary bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood flow to meet the muscle’s needs.
Patients with HEART FAILURE
The heart of patients suffering from heart failure pumps less bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood per beat.
Consequently, the work provided by it and the entire cardiovascular system during their regular activities is insufficient. The heart fails to deliver enough bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood to meet the muscular needs.
It’s safe to say: it’s pumping oil!
The impact of suboptimal cardiovascular performance
BloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood circulation becomes inefficient, resulting in a decrease in the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to our body. Similarly, the elimination of muscular toxins becomes ineffective. This is when fatigue is quickly felt.
Yet, these activities are performed without fatigue or breathlessness in healthy individuals.
In the case of people with heart failure, daily activities can be as demanding as running a marathon would be for a supposedly “normal” person who hadn’t trained for it.
Severe heart failure
In patients with very severe heart failure, the heart is failing, unable to maintain basic bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood circulation, comparable to that observed at rest or during minimal activity levels.
Various vital organs, such as the brain, liver, and kidneys, suffer from poor circulation. Consequently, their function and efficiency are diminished, leading to an accumulation of bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood toxins and easily felt fatigue.
Inactivity, mother of all evils!
Physical activity is as important as medical treatment. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments help improve the functioning of the heart pump while maintaining a certain level of cardiovascular fitness.
Indeed, exercise contributes more effectively to the extraction/utilization of oxygen and nutrients by muscles and vital organs, while ensuring better elimination of toxins and waste from the body. Thus, circulation tends to maintain a certain level of efficiency despite the cardiac condition.
Learn to move
Cardiovascular rehabilitation centers enable individuals with heart failure to improve their cardiovascular fitness. Medical staff, kinesiologists, and dietitians work together to advise and supervise patients. Their expertise contributes to enhancing the daily lives of these patients.
Stay active!
The key is to stay active and adopt healthy lifestyle habits. By combining physical activity with the agreed medical treatment, fatigue will diminish or simply become a symptom of the past.
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