Initially congestive heart failure causes patients to be short of breath and unable to exert themselves.The condition is caused by weakened or damaged heart vessels that cannot pump sufficient blood to the heart, according to the American Heart Association. The failing heart condition may be caused by any number of illnesses, including coronary artery disease, previous heart attacks, high blood pressure, birth defects or an infection. As congestive heart failure progresses, other signs and symptoms appear.
Fluid Buildup
Fluid builds up in the lungs as the failing heart continues to worsen. As the disease progresses, fluid can build up, causing swelling, usually in the legs. Referred to as edema, the fluid buildup causes swelling that is most often recognized first in the lower extremities of the feet, ankles and legs. As the fluid is retained, patients often see a sudden increase in their weight, a signal that the heart disease is worsening. Edema, which usually signals right-sided heart failure, can spread to the liver, kidneys and stomach, creating a need to urinate more often, particularly at night. Excess fluid in the kidneys damages their ability to process and eliminate salt in the system. Kidney failure can result from untreated edema due to congestive heart failure, report doctors at the Texas Heart Institute.
Mucus
Coughing is more pronounced as the heart failure worsens. Mucus that is pink indicates blood in the lungs and may further indicate acute heart failure, requiring immediate medical attention. The blood-tinged sputum often is a sign of left-sided heart failure. At the same time, initial side effects of heart failure worsen. Fatigue becomes severe and chronic. Patients experience shortness of breath even when they are at rest.
Pain
Chest pain and an irregular heartbeat that causes headaches and nausea are more severe signs of worsening congestive heart failure. Patients have a more pronounced shortness of breath and have difficulty lying flat because they cannot catch their breath. Swollen neck veins are tender to the touch. The skin can become cold and clammy as the disease progresses. At the same time, as fatigue worsens, patients often become restless and confused. Memory lapses occur more often and attention span is shorter than normal. Pain in the stomach from fluid retention can cause poor appetite or bouts of indigestion and heartburn.
