What condition may cause early satiety in heart failure patients?

Early satiety in heart failure patients is often linked to ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. When there is fluid retention associated with heart failure, this can lead to increased pressure within the abdomen. As a result, the stomach may not be able to expand properly, leading to feelings of fullness or satiety after consuming only a small amount of food.

In heart failure, ascites can develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, which impairs the liver's function and contributes further to fluid buildup. The presence of ascites can directly impact gastrointestinal function and appetite, causing discomfort and a feeling of fullness well before the stomach would typically signal satiety. This is a common phenomenon observed in patients with significant heart failure and associated fluid overload.