The most common symptoms of CHF are related to excess fluid
build-up or to the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to
the muscles or brain. You may or may not have the most common
symptoms of CHF, which are listed below. Because these
symptoms may also be caused by problems other than CHF, it is
important that you consult your doctor. Your doctor can
determine the cause and proper treatment of your symptoms.
•
Shortness of breath occurs when fluid collects in your lungs,
making it difficult for you to breathe. Shortness of breath may be
worse during certain activities, such as walking up stairs, or it may
be worse when lying flat. Sitting quietly or sleeping on two or three
pillows may make breathing easier. Occasionally, CHF causes a
persistent cough (a cough that doesn’t go away). The cough tends to be worse at night.
•
Extra fluid may collect in your feet, ankles, and legs. This leads
to swelling and the sensation that your shoes and socks are too
tight. The swelling usually starts in your feet and ankles. As more
and more fluid builds up, the swelling may gradually extend up
your legs almost to your waist. When CHF is the cause of the
swelling, both legs are usually involved, but not always equally.
•
When your body retains extra fluid, your weight goes up.
Sometimes this happens quite rapidly (up to two or three pounds
in a day). This type of weight gain almost always means that your
body is holding onto too much salt and therefore too much water.
In other cases, slow and progressive weight gain may be a sign that
your CHF is getting out of control.
•
When your heart is working harder to pump blood and oxygen to
your brain and muscles, you may feel more tired than usual. You
may notice that you do not have enough energy for your normal
activities. Although there are many other causes of fatigue, this
symptom may mean your CHF is getting worse, particularly if
some of the other symptoms are also present.
[ top ] [ back
to FAQ index ]
|
|
|
