Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. It develops as a result of certain conditions, such as coronary artery disease, prior heart attacks and lifestyle choices such as smoking. The Mayo Clinic says that although many of these conditions are irreversible, heart failure is often treatable with medications that can successfully improve its symptoms.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, occurs due to a backup of blood in the pulmonary veins, or the blood vessels running from the lungs to the heart. The blood backs up because the heart is unable to keep up with the supply flowing to it, causing fluid to leak into the lungs, according to the American Heart Association. Those who suffer from this symptom become breathless during physical activity while resting or while sleeping. When sleeping, it may come on suddenly, waking you from a sound sleep. You may find it problematic to sleep flat, and may require extra pillows to raise your head so you can breathe. Waking up fatigued is also common.
Excess Fluid
A buildup of excess fluid in the body, known also as edema, results when the flow of blood from the heart slows. This causes a buildup of blood into the veins of the body. The excess fluid then backs up into the tissues of the body, placing extra work on the kidneys; over time, the kidneys are unable to rid the body of excess sodium and water, causing fluid retention in the tissues.
The most common signs of edema include an unexplained swelling of your legs, hands, feet or abdomen. You may also notice an inexplicable weight gain.
Fatigue
When the heart is unable to pump enough blood to all tissues and organs, it automatically pumps blood to the most vital organs--the heart and brain. To accomplish this, blood must be taken from less vital organs such as muscles and limbs, resulting in fatigue, according to the American Heart Association. The most common symptoms include feeling tired all the time, and finding it difficult to perform normal activities such as grocery shopping, climbing stairs and taking a walk.
Confusion
As levels of certain substances such as sodium begin to change in the blood due to the heart pumping lower amounts of blood, confusion may set in. Some symptoms include memory loss and feelings of disorientation. Unlike other symptoms, however, a family member or caregiver may notice this symptom first.
