Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Symptoms

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that is usually the result of other underlying conditions. It is important to diagnose the underlying cause, so that the proper treatment can be given.

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There are not always noticeable symptoms for CHF as it develops. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially with activity, or when lying down
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Fatigue and weakness
• Persistent cough or wheezing cough that may be accompanied by white or blood-tinged phlegm
• Rapid weight gain
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Change in urine production (increase or decrease, need to urinate at night)
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased alertness

References:

American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000 .

Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2001.

Heart Failure Online website. Available at: http://www.heartfailure.org .

Mayo Clinic Heart Center website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/HB00057 .

Vasan RS, Benjamin EJ, Levy D. Prevalence, clinical features and prognosis of diastolic heart failure; an epidemiologic perspective. J Am Coll Cardiol.1995;26:1565.