Doctor issues warning that feeling tired all the time could be sign of 'silent danger' condition
If you're feeling tired a lot of the time it could be a sign of a dangerous and potentially lethal health condition.
If you happen to be going about your life and feeling very tired while your attempts at exercise exhaust you then you might be suffering from fatigue, which is a warning sign for more concerning conditions.
Professor Julia Newton, a consultant geriatrician, told the British Heart Foundation that fatigue means more than feeling a little groggy after a poor night's sleep.
She explained: "Essentially fatigue is the overwhelming feeling of lacking energy. People often describe it as a battery running out. They might start the day with a full battery, but it runs down too quickly.
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"Another common sign of fatigue is when people wake up feeling just as exhausted as they did yesterday, even after sleeping reasonably well."
One of the major concerns of fatigue is that it's a potential symptom of heart failure.
Symptoms can vary from person to person and can begin suddenly or come on over the course of several months, but if symptoms such as fatigue do persist and feel as though they're getting worse it's time to talk to a doctor about it.
Heart failure is a long term condition that can affect anyone, but is more common the older a person gets and usually cannot be cured, only managed through treatment and lifestyle changes.
If properly diagnosed then a person can live for years with heart failure, but if not treated then it will most likely be fatal.
The symptoms of heart failure
Fatigue is just one of the symptoms you could have, as it could be accompanied by a number of other signs:
- Shortness of breath when either exercising or at rest
- Swollen legs, ankles or feet
- Unexplained weight gain
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Bloated stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Fast heart rate or palpitations
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
According to the NHS the main symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, the swelling in the legs, ankles or feet and a feeling of being lightheaded.
Lowering the risk of heart failure
If you want to avoid developing heart failure or work out how to control your symptoms the NHS advice lies in lifestyle changes.
A healthy diet, regular exercise and stopping smoking if that's your habit are their tips to a healthier heart.
As far as the diet is concerned you should aim for 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, meals based on starchy foods, such as potatoes, bread, rice or pasta, some dairy or dairy alternatives, some beans or pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other sources of protein and low levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar.
There are also medications to help manage your symptoms, while other treatments include an implanted device in your chest, a bypass or a transplant.
Joe Harker