Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Animation Movie Available Related Media: Understanding Heart Failure

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.

Swollen Feet

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/ .

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.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Michael J. Fucci, DO
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.