What are the symptoms?
Heart failure can cause a range of symptoms. The most common are:
- Shortness of breath – caused by fluid in the lungs; this is often worse during exercise and when lying down
- Tiredness – this is because there is not enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs
- Fluid retention (congestion, edema) – this is caused by blood accumulating in the tissues, and it often affects the legs and feet
Other symptoms of heart failure include:
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Uneven or rapid pulse (palpitations)
- Weight gain (due to swelling)
- Increased need to urinate
- Neck veins that stand out
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating, decreased alertness
The symptoms of heart failure differ from person to person. They may also vary in the same person, depending on:
- How long they have had heart failure – symptoms tend to become more severe as the disease progresses
- What they are doing – symptoms are often worse during exercise
- The time of day or night – coughing/wheezing is often worse at night, when the person is lying down
- The climate – heat and humidity may make symptoms worse
- Other illnesses – symptoms can be aggravated by other conditions such as flu or asthma
- Fluid intake – drinking too much can make fluid retention worse
