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Symptoms
and Signs of Heart Failure
The symptoms of heart
failure may be mild to severe. The symptoms are related to the changes
that occur in your heart and body (see below) and are the same in women
as men. However, women seem to have more shortness of breath and more
difficulty exercising than men. They also have swelling around their ankles
more frequently than men1.
You may have one or
all of these symptoms. Sometimes, people with weakened or abnormal heart
muscles do not have any symptoms.
- Congested
lungs (caused by fluid backing up in the lungs) — causes
shortness of breath with exercise (or activity) or difficulty
breathing at rest or when lying flat in bed. Congested lungs also
can cause a dry cough or wheezing.
- Less blood
to your kidneys causes fluid and water retention, resulting in
swollen ankles and legs (edema), swollen abdomen (ascites) and
weight gain.
- Less blood
to your major organs and muscles may cause fatigue and weakness
during any activity
- A feeling
of fullness (bloating) in your stomach. A loss of appetite or
nausea may also occur.
- Heart beating
faster (palpitations).
- A feeling
of dizziness or actually fainting (syncope)
- Chest discomfort
that may be felt as pain, numbness, tightness or pressure
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written with Dr.
Eileen Hsich, specialist in Women & Heart Failure
| Heart
Failure and Women Navigation |
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