Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms (CHF Signs)

Congestive Heart Failure

You must have heard the term "Heart Failure" which means that heart is unable to pump as much blood to the body, as the body is demanding. It means more demand and less supply. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) means that heart is getting more blood into it, than what it can pump. Blood is returning to the heart at a faster rate and its not able to pump it all at that speed, which causes congestion of blood near heart. Due to this reason this condition is called "Congestive Heart Failure" or CHF.

Congestive Heart Failure mostly occurs due to the aging factor when heart muscles gets weakened and

pumping capability of muscles is reduced. But it can also occur in lower age group if you are patient of High Blood Pressure or if you have survived after a heart attack. Sometimes Heart Attack leaves some heart muscles damaged which results in congestive heart failure.

Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms

• Shortness of breath (even at rest). It may also disturb sleep.
• Severe fatigue and weakness.
• Wheezing after limited physical exertion
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Irritability, restlessness
• Mental confusion in some cases

Left Sided CHF Symptoms

• Dry cough. It indicates Left Sided Heart Failure. Sometimes cough may produce frothy or bloody sputum.

Right Sided CHF Symptoms

• Frequent urination during the night. Its a symptom of right-sided hear failure.
• Swelling of the ankles and feet
• Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.
• Swelling in the lower back if the patient is bedridden .
• Abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness.
• Swollen neck veins.