Symptoms Of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Heart failure can be chronic - meaning that your condition is under way - or acute, meaning that your condition started suddenly.

The symptoms of chronic heart failure

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you use your car, or when lying down

Fatigue and weakness

Swelling (edema) in legs, ankles and feet

Fast or irregular heartbeat

Decreased ability to exercise

A persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-stained mucus

Swelling of the abdomen (ascites)

Sudden weight gain from fluid retention

Loss of appetite and nausea

Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness

Symptoms of acute heart failure

The symptoms resemble those of chronic heart failure, but more severe and start or worsen suddenly

The sudden accumulation of fluid

Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink, frothy mucus

Chest pain, congestive heart failure, if the cause of heart attack

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms associated with heart failure. These include:

Chest pain

Fatigue and weakness

Fast or irregular heartbeat

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you make an effort and when you lie

Decreased stress

Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm

Swelling of the abdomen, legs, ankles and feet

Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness

You can first find out you have heart failure after a visit from the ER to get worse. Other heart and lung problems can cause symptoms that are similar to heart failure.

If you have a diagnosis of heart failure, and if any of the symptoms suddenly get worse or you develop a new sign or symptom can mean that existing heart failure worsens or does not respond to treatment. Contact your doctor immediately.