If you suddenly feel out of breath while talking, walking or even lying down, it may indicate that your heart is working harder than usual. Many describe it as “not getting enough air,” even though they’re breathing normally. What makes this particularly tricky is that it often comes and goes. But wait, because the next sign is one that many people dismiss as “just sodium” or “just the heat.”
9. Swelling in the Ankles, Feet or Legs
Fluid buildup is one of the strongest early clues. Picture your socks leaving deeper marks than usual or your shoes fitting more tightly at the end of the day. Sarah, 72, noticed her ankles were slightly puffy every evening. She assumed it was because she’d been standing more than usual. Later she learned that fluid retention is often linked to how efficiently the heart circulates blood. And yet, there’s another sign that shows up even earlier for some people.
8. Waking Up at Night Short of Breath
7. Persistent Coughing or Wheezing
You might not link coughing with heart function, but some people experience a cough that gets worse at night. It may sound like a dry cough or feel like a tightness inside the chest. Many assume it’s allergies or a cold, but occasionally it can be connected to how the body handles fluid. And now we move into signs that affect your senses even more.
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