Heart failure can affect people differently. Symptoms may develop gradually or sometimes appear more suddenly. Recognizing changes early can help you know when it may be time to contact your healthcare provider.
You may feel short of breath during activity, while resting, or when lying flat. Fluid buildup in the lungs can make breathing more difficult.
Fluid may build up in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen. Shoes, socks, or clothing may begin to feel tighter than usual.
A rapid increase in weight can be a sign that your body is retaining fluid. If you have heart failure, your healthcare team may recommend weighing yourself every day and provide instructions about when to report weight changes.
When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or completing household tasks may leave you feeling unusually tired or weak.
Some people may notice their heart beating faster, fluttering, or feeling like it is racing.
You may need additional pillows to sleep comfortably or wake up during the night feeling short of breath.
Changes in blood flow or other changes associated with worsening heart failure may contribute to confusion, difficulty concentrating, or decreased alertness.
Some people experience a reduced appetite, nausea, or a feeling of fullness as heart failure progresses.
New or worsening symptoms should not be ignored. Follow the heart-failure action plan provided by your healthcare team and contact them if you notice concerning changes.Call 911 for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, or other symptoms that may represent a medical emergency.This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition or replace advice from your healthcare provider.
American Heart Association. (2025). What is heart failure? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About heart failure.
American Heart Association. Warning Signs of Heart Failure. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Heart Failure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Heart Failure Symptoms.
American Heart Association — Heart Failure CDC — About Heart Failure
American Heart Association — Heart Failure Lifestyle Changes
Schedule a free consultation with Beyond the Bedside RN Health Coaching today and start your journey to better health!
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.