Heart failure

SECTION 2

What symptoms might I feel?

Heart failure symptoms can develop gradually or worsen suddenly. Some patients notice problems only during activity, while others have symptoms at rest. Patients with reduced EF and preserved EF can experience similar symptoms.

Common symptoms

• Shortness of breath: Activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting dressed may become harder.
• Difficulty breathing when lying flat: You may need extra pillows or feel more comfortable sleeping upright.
• Waking up breathless: You may awaken feeling that you need to sit up to breathe.
• Fatigue and reduced stamina: Everyday tasks may leave you unusually tired.
• Swelling: Your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen may become swollen.
• Rapid weight gain: Extra fluid can increase your weight over a few days.
• Coughing or wheezing: Fluid in the lungs may cause a persistent cough.
• Poor appetite or feeling full quickly: Abdominal congestion can make eating uncomfortable.

Pay attention to changes

A change from your usual condition can be an early warning that heart failure is worsening. Contact your care team promptly for increasing swelling, worsening breathlessness, needing more pillows, or rapid weight gain.

A common reporting threshold is 2–3 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week, but follow the specific weight threshold your doctor gives you.

When is it an emergency?

Symptoms such as breathlessness and swelling can also have other causes. Your doctor uses an examination and testing to determine what is responsible.