Symptoms
The
first symptom of congestive heart failure may
simply be fatigue. As the condition progresses,
there may be breathing difficulties during exertion,
and eventually shortness of breath and wheezing
at rest. As fluid accumulates in the lungs, patients
with heart failure may begin to sleep propped
up with pillows to make breathing easier. Fluid
may also collect in the legs and ankles, causing
edema. In patients who are less active, collected
fluid may accumulate at mid-body level, eventually
causing swelling of the lower back, together with
an intestinal swelling that produces abdominal
discomfort. In some patients, there may be a need
to urinate several times during the night, as
the kidneys drain off some of the excess fluids
that accumulate in the lower body during the daytime.
As the body accumulates more and more fluid, the
patient may notice significant weight gain. There
may also be a chronic cough due to fluid accumulation
in the lungs.
Although
congestive heart failure usually affects both
sides of the heart, in some patients it may affect
only the left or right side. In these cases, symptoms
vary according to the side affected. For example,
when heart failure affects mainly the left side
of the heart, the symptoms are more likely to
involve breathing difficulties. When the right
side is primarily affected, leg swelling and abdominal
discomfort may be the most prominent symptoms.
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