Patient Care — Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Phone: 210-257-1888 or tollfree 1-877-493-5040

Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.

Fatigue is different from drowsiness — drowsiness tends to be simply
the feeling of a need for sleep while fatigue involves a lack of energy
and motivation as well. Drowsiness and apathy (a feeling of indifference
or not caring about what happens) can be symptoms of fatigue.

The pattern of fatigue may help define its underlying cause. Individuals
who wake up in the morning rested but rapidly develop fatigue with
activity may have an ongoing condition. Individuals who awaken with low
energy and have fatigue that persists throughout the day may be
suffering from depression. However, these are not absolutes. Chronic
fatigue should be evaluated by your health care provider.

Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical exertion,
emotional stress, or lack of sleep. However, it can also be a
nonspecific sign of a medically serious psychological or physical
disorder. Fatigue that is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition,
or a low-stress environment should be medically evaluated. Because
fatigue is a common complaint, a potentially serious cause can be
overlooked.

Call your health care provider if you have prolonged, unexplained
weakness or fatigue, particularly if accompanied by fever or
unintentional weight loss