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Symptoms of heart failure are due to one of two causes: fluid buildup or lack of oxygen in your tissues. When these happens, you may experience some of the following heart failure symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is due to fluid buildup in your lungs, effectively making the task of breathing harder. You may first notice this during physical activity and at night when you’re trying to lie flat.
  • Cough. This cough may be described as dry and hacking or one that produces phlegm. The specific symptoms you experience may vary; some cough primarily at night, others throughout the day. This is also caused by fluid buildup in your lungs, especially if your phlegm has a slight pink color.
  • Excessive fatigue. This is usually caused by your heart being unable to pump enough blood to support your body. When your muscles and organs aren’t receiving the blood they need to function, you may feel weak, even after a good night’s sleep.
  • Weight gain. This may be one of the first signs that your body is experiencing fluid buildup. This extra fluid appears as extra weight on the scale – 2 pounds for each quart of additional body fluid. Therefore, it’s important to keep track of your weight and effectively manage your heart failure.
  • Swollen ankles, feet, belly, lower back, and fingers. Another result of fluid buildup. This body parts are where this extra fluid is likely to collect as it seeps out of your blood vessels and into your tissues. A swollen belly can make you feel bloated and nauseated, as well as decrease your appetite. Swelling is usually reported to be worst at the end of the day.
  • Poor concentration and memory lapses. This is the result of a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Right-sided Heart Failure

When the right side of your heart fails to pump as effectively as it needs to, the blood returning to your heart retreats to your veins. When this happens, excess fluid leaks into the tissues surrounding your veins. This can lead to:

  • Swollen liver
  • Bloated stomach
  • Swollen legs and ankles

Left-sided Heart Failure

When the left side of your heart fails, blood backs up and causes fluid to accumulate in your lungs. This can lead to:

  • Swollen liver
  • Bloated stomach
  • Swollen legs and ankles
  • Inability to breathe
  • Cough
  • Fatigue and weakness

You may have right-sided heart failure, left-sided, or even both.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatment Procedures

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