22. Confusion or Poor Concentration
Heart failure doesn’t just affect the body — it also impacts the brain. Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply can cause confusion and poor concentration. Patients may feel mentally slow, struggle to follow conversations, or forget what they were doing.
This can be especially frustrating for both patients and their families. Some patients describe it as a “foggy mind.” They may repeat questions, misplace items, or find it difficult to focus on tasks like reading or watching television.
Take the story of Mrs. Mary, a 72-year-old grandmother. Her family noticed that she often looked lost during conversations. She forgot names and seemed distracted. At first, they worried about dementia. But doctors discovered her symptoms were due to low oxygen flow from heart failure. After treatment, her confusion improved.
Confusion may also worsen when fluid levels are high or when patients are on multiple medications. Families sometimes mistake this for memory problems linked with aging, but in heart failure, it can come and go depending on how well the condition is controlled. Recognizing this helps ensure patients get medical support instead of being unfairly blamed for forgetfulness.