Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms

Classic heart failure symptoms are familiar to most of us. We've been seeing people get them in TV shows and movies as far back as most of us can remember. But many heart failure symptoms are not as dramatic as the ones we see on TV. When we see someone grab their chest, get short of breath and possibly even collapse, they're experiencing acute heart failure, usually in the form of a heart attack (known medically as a myocardial infarction). 

To a medical professional, the words "heart failure" describe more than heart attacks. There's also a form of heart failure known as chronic heart failure, which can certainly lead to a heart attack, but can also lead to failure by other organs in the body, not just the heart itself.

Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart has been weakened or damaged to the extent that it can't pump blood efficiently. "Congestive," in this sense, means that blood is "backing up" or becoming congested in the organs and tissues. Since blood isn't flowing properly, the organs and tissues are less likely to function as they should.

To learn more about this condition, click on congestive heart failure.

Chronic heart failure symptoms

Let's cover the symptoms of chronic heart failure first.

Chronic, of course, means the condition is ongoing, which can be the result of high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems and poor lifestyle choices (bad diet, lack of exercise, drug or alcohol abuse, etc.).

Shortness of breath This is known medically as dyspnea, is a classic symptoms. Someone who is not exerting themselves, or is lying down, but is still having breathing difficulties, may be in some stage of heart failure. 

Fatigue and weakness This is a sign that your organs and tissues aren't getting enough oxygen - probably because your heart isn't pumping properly.

Reduced ability to exercise This is related to the same reasons as fatigue and weakness.

Swelling in your legs, ankles and feet. This condition is called edema.

Heart palpitations A rapid or irregular heartbeat is another symptom of heart failure.

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

Swelling of your abdomen, or ascites When the heart isn't pumping properly, fluid tends to accumulate in different parts of the body. In the case of ascites, the fluid accumulates in the abdominal area.

Sudden weight gain from fluid retention. Again, fluids tend to collect when the heart isn't working as it should.

Lack of appetite and nausea

Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness The brain isn't getting enough oxygen from the blood, and mental acuity deteriorates.

Acute heart failure symptoms

Acute, of course, means something is happening fast. In the case of acute heart failure, we often see the classic symptoms mentioned in the beginning of this article. But "acute heart failure" and "heart attack" aren't necessarily the same thing.

Symptoms of acute heart failure are similar to chronic heart failure, but unless you're sensitive to the signs, you could miss them.

Heart palpitations There are a number of causes for palpitations, and chronic heart failure is one you don't want to overlook.

Sudden, severe shortness of breath When this happens, it may be accompanied by coughing up pink, foamy mucus

Chest pain Known medically as angina. This is the classic heart attack symptom we've all seen many times.

Sudden fluid buildup This is something that may happen in the course of a few days, not a few minutes.

Many people don't know they have heart failure until they wind up in the emergency room with an "event."

Keep in mind, symptoms of heart failure resemble symptoms of a number of other conditions. If you or someone you love begins to experience the symptoms mentioned above, it's a good idea to get medical attention quickly.