Information on the symptoms of congestive heart failure.

While symptoms may not always be present, they tend to become most noticeable during physical exertion as people often describe difficulty exercising, and feelings of fatigue and dizziness. As the heart struggles to pump sufficient blood to the body, and blood pressure drops, the body tries to compensate by triggering hormone and nerve signals to increase the blood volume through water retention.

It may also start beating faster while the heart muscles thicken and the ventricles stretch to accommodate more blood. But the heart still isn’t beating effectively enough to push this now increased volume of blood through the system and so fluid begins to build up in the body resulting in excess fluid entering the lungs and other body tissues.

Symptoms soon become evident as the heart continues to struggle, the organs continue being deprived of blood and the excess water builds up in the system.

In addition to those already mentioned, other symptoms of congestive heart failure often include:

• Edema – often noticed as swelling of the ankles, legs and abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing sounds as a result of water build up in lungs
• Persistent cough with white, frothy or blood-tinged phlegm
• Sudden weight gain (caused by fluid retention)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mild confusion or decreased alertness
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat

If heart failure is suspected, further evaluations such as blood tests, chest x-rays and an echocardiogram will be necessary.

There are also a number of risk factors that greatly increase your chances of developing heart failure, including:

• Age
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive alcohol use
• Stress
• Obesity

A diagnosis of heart failure can be a devastating shock, and it is important to remember that changes implemented today can help positively affect one’s health. By adapting to a heart-healthy lifestyle and adopting better wellness habits, the risk of further heart complications can be significantly reduced.

• Keep track of your blood pressure levels. As high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and damage to heart tissue, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. If it is high, make sure it is appropriately managed.
• Since obesity places considerable strain on the heart, it is extremely important to maintain a healthy and stable weight. With a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a little help from a reputable weight-loss program or dietician, you can reach your ideal goal weight.
• Keep a record book. Weigh yourself each morning before breakfast and after urinating, and monitor this weight in a notebook. Notify your physician if you notice sudden weight gain, as this could mean that you are retaining water. If blood pressure is a problem, monitor these readings in a similar fashion.
• Eat a heart-friendly diet low in fat, calories, and salt and high in vegetables, fruits, and fiber. Eating well does not have to mean boring, as there are many resources available that suggest healthy yet tasty meals.
• Do not smoke. Smoking not only damages your blood vessels, it also reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood and makes your heart beat faster, thus contributing greatly to heart failure. If you do smoke, consider quitting smoking naturally.
• Manage stress levels. Stress puts strain on the heart, as well as the immune system, so find ways of coping with it. Reduce stressful responsibilities and consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, Pilates or meditation into your daily routine.
• Limit alcohol consumption or consider stopping alcohol altogether, as alcohol can increase your chances of heart failure.