Symptoms and Complications
The appearance of symptoms of CHF can be delayed for years. This is because the heart tries to compensate when it is not pumping efficiently. The heart compensates in three ways:
- dilating (enlarging) to form a bigger pump;
- adding new muscle tissue to pump harder; and
- beating at a faster rate.
As the heart compensates, several things happen that can result in symptoms. The heart cannot pump well enough to pump the blood through the body and back to the heart again. And blood then backs up into the legs and the lungs, causing fluid buildup. This causes visible swelling of the ankles and legs and shortness of breath.
The most common symptoms of CHF include:
- breathing difficulties during the night, or when lying down
- coughing and wheezing
- fatigue and weakness
- shortness of breath
- swollen ankles
Other symptoms of CHF include:
- abdominal pain, bloating, or loss of appetite
- accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
- bluish skin around the mouth
- constipation
- pale skin and cool hands and feet
- urination at night