Hearts that have been diseased for a long time tend to follow a predictable sequence of events that collectively lead to the condition known as congestive heart failure. MedlinePlus notes that 5 million Americans suffer from heart failure, resulting in about 300,000 deaths per year. The heart is considered to be failing when it loses its pumping capacity and is incapable of supplying blood to satisfy the body's metabolic needs. Heart failure occurs most commonly due to diseases of the coronary artery, long-standing hypertension or diabetes.
Buildup of Fluids in the Lower Limbs
According to a 1987 study published in "The Texas Heart Institute Journal," prolonged heart disease can cause the heart to lose contractile ability and decrease pumping adequate blood. This can eventually lead to the activation of mechanisms causing the retention of salt and water. The retained excess water and the poor circulation will manifest as swelling seen in the feet, ankles and legs. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute asserts that this excessive swelling causes weight gain and may lead to excessive urination.
Backingup of Blood and Fluids in the Lungs
MedlinePlus mentions that when the pumping ability of the left side of the heart is impaired, which is what eventually occurs in most heart diseases, blood backs up in the lungs. This blood and fluid buildup greatly affects the oxygen exchange that occurs in the delicate blood vessels of the lungs. The patient may suffer from a persistent cough which may include blood-tinged phlegm in some instances.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is considered a hallmark complaint in the end-stages of heart disease. The congestion or buildup of fluids in the lungs and the reduction of the volume of blood pumped out by the heart, causes the patient to be progressively out of breath and easily fatigued. As pointed out by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, the severity of shortness of breath helps in determining the stage of the congestive heart failure. At first, the patient complains of dyspnea with physical activity, but then it progresses to difficulty breathing while at rest.
