What are the main signs and symptoms of heart failure?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Heart failure symptoms occur at stages C and D, while heart failure stage A and B are asymptomatic.[1] Symptoms in stages C and D can include:[2]

    • Shortness of breath/coughing when lying down or with activity
    • Fatigue and weakness
    • Frequent urination
    • Chest pain and palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
    • Swelling of the lower legs and fluid retention
    • Nausea and poor appetite
    • Anxiety

    References

    1. ^Heidenreich PA, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, Allen LA, Byun JJ, Colvin MM, Deswal A, Drazner MH, Dunlay SM, Evers LR, Fang JC, Fedson SE, Fonarow GC, Hayek SS, Hernandez AF, Khazanie P, Kittleson MM, Lee CS, Link MS, Milano CA, Nnacheta LC, Sandhu AT, Stevenson LW, Vardeny O, Vest AR, Yancy CW2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines.Circulation.(2022-May-03)
    2. ^Malik A, Brito D, Vaqar S, Chhabra LCongestive Heart FailureStatPearls.(2022-11)