top of page

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Heart Failure, also known as, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a progressive condition.  I remember when my husband was first diagnosed with heart failure. Gosh, what is heart failure?  There was no internet as we know it today to look it up.  Supposedly, it was something to do with the heart.  My Grandmother had died from it in her seventies.  I realize now that my husband and I lived in ignorance about his condition for many, many years.  We didn’t recognize the symptoms, because we didn’t know what these symptoms were.  He was sent home at one point with the DASH diet, which was quickly put into desk draw, never to be looked at again.  We didn’t make the connection between his coughing and difficulty breathing to the amount of salt and fluids he consumed.

You don’t want to be ignorant about these symptoms like we were. You should you be telling your doctor about these symptoms.  They can help to minimize these symptoms and improve your quality of life.

So, what are the symptoms of heart failure?  The American Heart Association provides an excellent list as the symptoms, summarized below.

HEART FAILURE SYMPTOMS

  1. Shortness of breath

  2. Excessive coughing and wheezing

  3. Buildup of excess fluids in body tissue (belly, legs, ankles, etc.)

  4. Tiredness and fatigue

  5. Lack of appetite, nausea

  6. Confusion, impaired thinking

  7. Increased heart rate

Below is also a link to more detail from the American Heart Association:

Comments


Your contribution helps us continue to provide life-giving Heart Failure programming.
With all our hearts, we thank you for your support.

SPECIAL THANKS

2025 Corporate Sponsors

AdobeStock_75505305.jpeg

Immediately After a Hospital Visit from The HeartBrothers

"Pat and Bob were living proof we would survive...that this was all part of our journey. After meeting the HeartBrothers, I remember Nick saying that when all this was over he would be a HeartBrother too. It made me smile because it showed me Nick had not given up hope despite how sick he was...he was thinking about our future."

- Michelle, Caregiver

SUPPORT US

There are so many ways you can support the HeartBrothers and Sisters.

HeartBrothers Vertical Full Color Logo
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
ONLY LOVE IS REAL
DON'T MISS A HEARTBEAT

Join our email list.

GET A STORY WITH HEART

Submit media inquiries below.

© 2025 HeartBrothers Foundation  |  Terms & Conditions  |  Privacy Policy  Refund Policy  |  Brochures Tax Information 

Web design by NKB

bottom of page