
Fatigue​
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Fatigue and tiredness are common feelings that everyone usually experiences at some point, but if these feelings become enduring and may have become unexplained, then it may also be an indication of underlying health problems, most particularly a heart-related problem.
Fatigue caused by the heart is commonly due to the failure of the heart to pump blood properly and adequately, which would result in a shortage of oxygen and food supply for the tissues of the body.
For example, conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias impair the function of the heart in a way that leads to a feeling of constant fatigue. Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is weak and cannot pump blood effectively, causing fluids to build up in the lungs and other parts of the body, resulting in breathlessness and fatigue. Coronary artery disease involves a narrowing or blocking of the coronary arteries that can limit blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in chest pain and tiredness.
Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, can also interfere with the heart's ability to keep the blood supply to the body constant and efficient, causing feelings of tiredness.
It is important to recognize that while fatigue can have many different causes, when it is associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or palpitations, it may well be a manifestation of heart disease and needs medical evaluation.
Thereby, understanding the various cardiac causes of fatigue may be of great use to help persons seek timely diagnosis and treatment, which can actually improve their quality of life.
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An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of your heart, helping doctors see how well it's pumping and if there are any structural issues. This can reveal problems like weak heart muscles that might cause fatigue.
Meanwhile, an ECG heart monitor records your heart's electrical activity over 24 to 48 hours or even up to 14 days. It can detect irregular heartbeats or rhythms that might not show up during a regular check-up.
By identifying these issues, both tests can help pinpoint heart-related causes of fatigue, guiding appropriate treatment.
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At My Heart we can help you with these investigations and a cardiology consultation as well if you need one.