Signs and Symptoms

Heart failure typically doesn't occur suddenly. It develops slowly, over time. It's usually a chronic, long-term condition. The term "congestive" comes from the fact that as either or both of the heart's right or left lower chambers (ventricles) fail, blood backs up into — or congests — the liver, abdomen, lower extremities and lungs.

The backing up of blood causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and leg swelling. Other symptoms develop as the body tries to compensate for the heart's reduced pumping ability. The heart beats faster, its muscle thickens and the ventricles may stretch to accommodate more blood. Damage to the ventricles may cause them to pump out of sync, further reducing the efficient delivery of blood to the body.

Signs and symptoms of chronic heart failure can include:

Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down
Reduced ability to exercise
Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet
Swelling of your abdomen (ascites)
Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
Lack of appetite and nausea
Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
Irregular or rapid heartbeat