People may experience different symptoms of congestive heart failure, also called heart failure, depending on how much of the heart’s pumping capacity has been affected.

The following are the most common symptoms:

• Shortness of breath during rest or exercise, or while lying flat
• Very rapid weight gain
• Visible swelling of the legs, the ankles, and sometimes the abdomen due to a buildup of fluid
• Fatigue and weakness
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Nausea, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain, particularly if the heart failure is caused by a heart attack
• A persistent cough with or without white or pink blood-tinged sputum
• Increased need to urinate at night

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Since the signs of congestive heart failure may indicate other conditions, be sure to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms.

Blood Work and a Stress Test Can Help Make a Diagnosis

To determine if you have heart failure, a doctor will take your complete medical history and conduct a physical examination.