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Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
If you have been diagnosed with
heart failure it's important for them to keep
track of symptoms and report any sudden changes
to your physician. The information listed below
is the most common signs and symptoms associated
with heart failure and why they occur and how to
recognize them.
Confusion and impaired thinking
Coughing or wheezing
Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
-
Blood "backs up" in the
pulmonary veins (the vessels that return
blood from the lungs to the heart) because
the heart can't keep up with the supply.
This causes fluid to leak into the lungs and
breathlessness. This can occur with
activity, rest, or while sleeping, which may
come on suddenly and wake you up. You may
have difficulty breathing while lying flat
and may need to prop up your upper body. You
may feel tired upon waking up feel anxious
and restless.
Edema (buildup of excess fluid
in body tissues)
-
As blood flow out of the
heart slows, blood returning to the heart
through the veins backs up causing fluid to
build in the tissues. The kidneys are less
able to dispose of sodium and water, also
causing fluid retention in the tissues.
Swelling in the feet, ankles may result and
you may find that shoes seem to fit tighter
than before.
Nausea or lack of appetite
Fatigue or Tiredness
-
The heart can't pump enough
blood to meet the needs of the body's
tissues. The body diverts blood from less
vital organs, particularly muscles in the
limbs, and sends it to the heart and brain.
Because blood is being diverted you may feel
that you are tired all of the time and have
difficulty with everyday activities.
Shopping, carrying groceries, waking or
climbing stairs may become more difficult.
Increase heart rate
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