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by Badash M

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

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
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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.

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