Heart failure occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump sufficient amounts of blood to meet the body’s needs. Two of the most common risk factors and symptoms of heart failure are coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. When these conditions develop they weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. Other risk factors include irregular heartbeat, diabetes, sleep apnea, viruses and kidney disease.

In the early stages there may not be any noticeable symptoms or signs of heart failure. The signs usually start showing after heart failure is in the latter stages. Heart failure is known to be a chronic slow developing condition that is long-term. One of the first symptoms of heart failure is shortness of breath especially after exertion. Heart failure symptoms tend to worsen over time.

Some of the more common symptoms of heart failure include the following:

• rapid or irregular heartbeat
• heart palpitations
• becoming easily winded
• feeling tired while walking
• having to stop often when walking
• tightness in the chest area
• persistent cough that produces white or light pink colored phlegm
• wheezing
• shortness of breath while lying down
• shortness of breath while sleeping
• weight gain from sudden build up of fluid
• edema or swelling in the feet or ankles
• indentations in skin cause by pressure from water retention
• loss of appetite and/or nausea
• inability to concentrate or lack of alertness
• loss of energy or fatigue
• increase in urination
• inability to exercise without feeling overly tired

Heart failure cannot be reversed but if heart failure symptoms are treated and the results are normally fairly positive. There are medications that can improve heart failure symptoms and the survival rate. Also changes in lifestyle can contribute to the success treating heart failure such as managing stress levels, reducing the intake of salt, avoiding foods high in cholesterol, exercising and losing excess weight. These changes will greatly improve the quality of life and help prevent the buildup of fluid which contributes to heart failure.

Another way to help prevent heart failure is to manage the risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and being overweight. If these conditions are successfully treated it will help reduce the risk of developing heart failure.

If any of these heart failure symptoms are experienced it is highly recommended that medical advice be sought immediately. It is especially important to see a doctor or health care professional if the following heart failure symptoms occur:

1. irregular or fast heartbeat
2. fatigue and/or weakness that is not relived with rest
3. persistent cough or wheezing
4. shortness of breath after exertion or when lying down
5. swelling in the ankles, feet, legs or abdomen
6. inability to concentrate or decrease in alertness
7. reduced ability to exercise
8. lack of appetite

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