Most people know when something feels off — a little shortness of breath, a heaviness in the chest, or tiredness that lingers longer than usual.
We brush it aside, telling ourselves it’s just stress, lack of sleep, or not enough exercise. But sometimes, those quiet signals are your heart trying to ask for help.
Dr. Jeremy London, a cardiovascular surgeon from Georgia, has spent over two decades treating patients with heart conditions.
Through his online videos, he aims to make complex medical information simple enough for everyone to understand — especially when it comes to spotting early signs of heart failure.
Also read: Sour Halloween candy can damage your teeth
According to health experts, the term “weak heart” is often used to describe a condition where the heart muscle no longer pumps blood as efficiently as it should.
While the phrase may sound dramatic, doctors emphasize that heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped — only that it needs more support to function properly.
The subtle warning signs
Dr. London explains that heart weakness can creep in quietly. It doesn’t always start with sharp chest pain or dramatic fainting spells. Instead, it often begins with mild but persistent changes in how the body feels day to day.
Health authorities such as the NHS outline several symptoms that may indicate heart failure:
Also read: Nutrition expert ate chia seeds for a week – here’s what happened
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying flat
- Unusual fatigue or difficulty with everyday exercise
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells
Some people also experience a rapid heartbeat, a stubborn cough, or unexplained weight gain due to fluid buildup.
Medical researchers explain that these symptoms develop as the heart struggles to circulate blood efficiently, causing organs and tissues to receive less oxygen. Over time, this imbalance puts strain on the entire body.
How doctors find out
Diagnosing heart weakness today is far simpler than many expect. Specialists can assess heart function using an echocardiogram — a non-invasive ultrasound scan that measures how effectively the heart pumps blood.
As the NHS explains, the test uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart, allowing doctors to evaluate what’s known as “ejection fraction.”
Also read: Evening exercises that prepare your body for rest
A healthy heart typically pumps out around 65–70% of the blood in its chambers with each beat. Anything significantly lower can point to potential heart failure.
Dr. London emphasizes that heart strength is one of the most critical factors determining how well patients respond to treatment or surgery. Those with robust heart function generally recover faster and have better outcomes.
The takeaway
While heart failure can’t always be cured, early detection and consistent medical care can help manage symptoms for many years. The key, experts say, is not to ignore the subtle messages your body sends. If you notice any persistent changes — especially shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling — it’s worth scheduling a check-up rather than waiting it out.
Modern medicine offers countless ways to strengthen and support the heart, but it all begins with paying attention. Sometimes, your body’s smallest whispers are the ones that matter most.
Also read: OpenAI reports over one million users discuss suicide with ChatGPT
Article based on information from Dr. Jeremy London og NHS
Also read: Scientists urge UK government to act on chemical in bacon linked to cancer