Heart Failure Symptoms
Heart failure symptoms are not always apparent. Some people in the very early stages of heart failure may have no symptoms at all. And others dismiss feeling tired and experiencing shortness of breath as signs of growing older.
But some heart disease symptoms are more obvious. When the heart is not pumping properly or efficiently, daily activity can cause shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing when lying down. The legs and ankles may swell because the body is retaining water. Feeling weak and tired is common. Ordinary daily activities like going to the grocery store or even walking up a flight of stairs can be exhausting.
Because of the heart’s inability to efficiently pump blood and supply your organs, such as the kidneys and the brain, you may experience a number of symptoms including:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the feet and legs
- Lack of energy, feeling tired
- Difficulty sleeping at night due to breathing problems
- Swollen or tender abdomen, loss of appetite
- Cough with "frothy" sputum
- Increased urination at night
- Confusion, impaired memory
Your heart failure symptoms will help your doctor classify the severity of your heart failure and monitor the effects of drug and/or device therapy.
Are you at risk for heart failure? Take the Heart Failure Assessment.
