1. Shortness of Breath on Exertion
One of the earliest and most common symptoms of heart failure is shortness of breath, also called dyspnea. At first, it shows up only during physical activities. For example, climbing stairs, walking a few hundred meters, or carrying groceries may suddenly feel harder than before. People often describe it as “running out of breath too quickly” or feeling like the air is not enough.
This happens because the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, which means less oxygen reaches the muscles. To compensate, the lungs and breathing muscles must work harder. Fluid may also begin to collect in the lungs, reducing their ability to exchange oxygen.
Take the story of Mr. James, a 62-year-old retired teacher. For years, he enjoyed his morning walk, but he noticed that after just five minutes, he was breathless and had to sit down. At first, he thought he was “just getting old,” but when the problem worsened, his family doctor checked him and discovered early heart failure. With medicines and lifestyle changes, his stamina improved.
The key here is that breathlessness during effort is not always due to aging or lack of fitness. If it comes on suddenly, worsens over time, or limits daily activities, it should be taken seriously. Many patients delay seeking help until the condition becomes severe. Early recognition and treatment can make a big difference.