Health Blog

These two consequences of inadequate pumping function lead to all of the symptoms associated with heart failure: shortness of breath (dyspnea) and fatigue with exertion; shortness of breath at rest and especially when lying down (orthopnea) because of fluid accumulation in the lungs; swelling or accumulation of fluid in the feet, legs, and trunk; and general fatigue. Because many of the symptoms of heart failure are caused by congestion of the tissues and lungs with fluid, it is often called congestive heart failure.

With mild heart failure, you may not have any symptoms while sitting and resting. You may not be short of breath until you engage in physical activity. With severe heart failure, you may experience distress even at rest, including shortness of breath, pale skin color, coolness in the arms and legs, and blue color of the lips, fingers, and toes (cyanosis). These symptoms may become worse when you lie down.

With severe heart failure, you are also prone to various irregular heart rhythms and may experience palpitations or syncope. Another symptom with advanced heart failure may be what is termed “Cheyne-Stokes” respiration, which is characterized by alternating periods of slow breathing with pauses and periods of rapid, deep breathing.

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