According to the Mayo Clinic, congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. As the condition progresses, other conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) and coronary artery disease can slowly weaken and damage the heart, causing it to lose its ability to function normally. And while the damage that occurs is often irreversible, medications can go a long way to ease the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Kidney Failure
According to Barry M. Massie, chief of cardiology at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, some patients with advanced congestive heart failure may experience kidney failure as the heart is unable to pump a sufficient amount of blood to the vital organs. Massie also notes that many patients improve even if their overall heart function is poor because heart failure can wax and wane.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another symptom of advanced congestive heart failure. According to the Mayo Clinic, shortness of breath (dyspnea) can occur when you exert yourself or when you lie down.
Reduced Mental Functioning
Reduced mental functioning can occur when congestive heart failure worsens. Difficulty concentrating and decreased alertness indicate reduced mental functioning.
Other Common Symptoms
Other common symptoms of congestive heart failure are persistent coughing and wheezing that may be accompanied by phlegm and pink-tinged phlegm (indicating the presence of blood), as well as swelling in the feet, ankles, legs and abdomen (indicating a lack of blood circulation and fluid retention). According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms may worsen when congestive heart failure advances or fails to respond to treatment.
Considerations
According to the Mayo Clinic, other conditions relating to the heart and lungs can cause similar symptoms to arise. For individuals diagnosed with congestive heart failure, a sudden increase in the severity of symptoms or a development of new symptoms could indicate advanced congestive heart failure.
