Signs of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Introduction

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body. Understanding the signs of CHF is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Main Symptoms

1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

• Difficulty breathing during physical activity
• Worsening breathlessness when lying down (orthopnea)
• Severe shortness of breath at night (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea)

2. Fatigue and Weakness

• Feeling tired even with minimal exertion
• Reduced ability to perform daily activities

3. Swelling (Edema)

• Fluid accumulation in the feet, ankles, and legs
• Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
• Weight gain due to fluid retention

4. Persistent Cough or Wheezing

• Cough that produces white or pink-tinged mucus
• Increased fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion)

5. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

• The heart may beat faster to compensate for weak pumping
• Palpitations or skipped beats

6. Decreased Mental Alertness

• Difficulty concentrating or confusion due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain

7. Loss of Appetite and Nausea

• Fluid accumulation in the digestive tract leading to bloating and discomfort

When to See a Doctor

If you experience multiple symptoms of CHF, especially worsening shortness of breath, swelling, or sudden weight gain, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Recognizing the early signs of congestive heart failure allows for better management and improved quality of life. If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, consult a cardiologist promptly.

Source recommendations

1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
2. https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
3. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
4. https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23747642/

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
3. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
4. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27206819/