13. Decreased Ability to Exercise
Another major symptom of heart failure is a reduced tolerance for exercise or physical activity. People who once enjoyed walking, gardening, or playing with grandchildren may find these activities suddenly difficult. The body’s muscles demand oxygen and nutrients during exercise, but in heart failure, the heart cannot meet these demands.
Patients may notice that they get tired after just a few steps, or they may need frequent breaks. Some describe it as “hitting a wall” of exhaustion. This symptom often appears alongside breathlessness and fatigue, making even daily routines a challenge.
Consider the case of Mr. Thomas, a 58-year-old shop owner. He had always been active, but he noticed he could no longer walk to his shop without stopping multiple times to rest. He dismissed it as weight gain and lack of exercise. However, after a health check-up, doctors diagnosed him with heart failure. With medication and cardiac rehabilitation, his stamina slowly improved.
This reduced activity tolerance often leads patients to feel discouraged. Many think they must stop all physical activity, but that is not true. Light, supervised exercise can actually help strengthen the heart and improve quality of life. Recognizing this symptom early can help patients adjust their lifestyle safely while staying active.