Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure

Signs of heart failure often begin slowly. At first, they may only happen when you are very active. Over time, you may notice breathing problems and other symptoms even when you are resting. Signs may also appear soon after the heart is damaged from a heart attack or other problem.

Common symptoms are:

• Cough
• Fatigue, weakness, faintness
• Loss of appetite
• Need to urinate at night
• Pulse that feels fast or irregular, or a sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• Shortness of breath when you are active or after you lie down
• Swollen (enlarged) liver or abdomen
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Waking up from sleep after a couple of hours due to shortness of breath
• Weight gain

Last Physician Review - January 13, 2015