Jess Battison
A doctor has given a warning over a certain sleeping position that could be a sign of deadly heart failure.
Often the result of a number or problems affecting your heart at the same time, the British Heart Foundation estimate that over one million people in the UK have the health condition, with around 200,000 new diagnoses a year.
As explained by the NHS, heart failure means the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. Symptoms can develop very quickly or more gradually over weeks or months, but either way, it’s important to get medical help if you think there’s a problem.
So, a doctor has explained a common sign while you’re going to sleep that could be easily missed.
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Cardiologist and Associate Medical Director at Vitality Health Dr Rosie Godeseth said while symptoms can vary, something to be wary of is the struggle with sleeping flat.
She explained to The Sun: "Sometimes people will experience fluid buildup in the lungs which can make it hard to breathe when lying down.
"If you find yourself having to be propped up on pillows while you sleep or are waking up short of breath, then book an appointment to see a doctor who may recommend undergoing a sleep study or heart function tests."
Yep, a symptom of heart failure is breathlessness either after activity or even just while you’re resting. And this is caused by fluid build up in the lungs, so as Godeseth says, it makes it harder to just lay flat out, star fishing in bed.
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Other main symptoms of heart failure can include feeling tired most of the time and finding exercise exhausting, feeling lightheaded or fainting, and swollen ankles and legs.
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While it can occur at any age, it’s most common in older people. But Godeseth reckons it’s worth making some big lifestyle changes now to be better off later down the line.
The expert explained that having a healthy, balanced diet as well as regular physical activity and saying goodbye to tobacco can all decrease your risk of heart failure.
“It's really important not to assume heart health is something that should only be considered, or focused on, once you're older as the actions we make today go a huge way in preventing illness in the future,” she added.
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"In fact, 80 percent of heart disease cases and strokes are preventable."
So, next time you're going to bed, check that you can comfortably breathe without being propped up by a mountain of pillows - if not, it might be worth getting checked out. Better safe than sorry!