Doctor Warns That Constant Fatigue Might Be A Sign Of A Serious Hidden Condition

Yawning in a warm office or dozing off during a cozy Netflix binge is normal, but if exhaustion is becoming a constant companion in your daily life, there may be an underlying reason.

Dr. James Wetherby, a cardiologist, has highlighted that ongoing fatigue is one of the most frequently overlooked early symptoms of a potentially life-threatening condition—one that, if left untreated, could have severe consequences.

Sleepiness could be a warning sign if it is persistentGetty Stock Photo

Heart failure can develop suddenly, but in many cases, it progresses gradually over months or even years.

Research from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has found that 40 percent of heart failure patients receive their diagnosis late.

One major reason for this delay is that people fail to recognize their symptoms as warning signs of something serious.

According to the BHF, heart failure affects the body’s functions, including breathing and muscle activity, leading to extreme fatigue.

Per Surrey Live, Dr. Wetherby further explained: “When your heart is under strain, it struggles to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and tissues, leaving you feeling utterly drained.”

Fatigue caused by heart failure varies from person to person. Professor Julia Newton, a consultant geriatrician with over two decades of experience in fatigue research and treatment, explained: “For some people, fatigue is a constant presence, while for others, it comes and goes.”

While discussing fatigue with the BHF, Professor Newton added: “It can also be linked to symptoms like brain fog and muscle aches.”

Heart failure is when you heart fails to pump blood as it shouldGetty Stock Photo

“Another common sign of fatigue is when people wake up feeling just as exhausted as they did yesterday, even after sleeping reasonably well.”

The BHF advises that if you experience persistent fatigue or any other symptoms linked to heart failure, it’s crucial to consult a doctor.

Symptoms of heart failure should be checked by a doctorGetty Stock Photo

• Feeling faint or lightheaded
• Developing a persistent cough
• Experiencing shortness of breath, whether active or at rest
• Swelling in the feet and ankles, which may extend to the lower body