Acute decompensated heart failure symptoms

The heart is no longer keeping up with the body's needs as well as before. Fluid may collect in the lungs, causing breathlessness, a cough, difficulty lying flat, or waking short of breath. Fluid can also collect in the legs or abdomen, leading to swollen ankles, tighter shoes, abdominal fullness, or rapid weight gain.

Other presentations include unusual fatigue, weakness, reduced exercise tolerance, a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and cool or clammy skin. Heart failure commonly presents with several of these features together, but symptoms vary and can overlap with lung, kidney, or rhythm problems.

Stop exertion, sit upright if breathing is uncomfortable, and arrange urgent clinical assessment. Follow an existing heart-failure action plan and take prescribed medicines as directed; do not take extra doses or stop treatment unless your clinician has told you how to respond to worsening symptoms.

Record when the change began, recent weight changes, swelling, breathing symptoms, missed medicines, dietary changes, fever, chest discomfort, and palpitations. Bring an up-to-date medicine list. A clinician may check oxygen level, heart rhythm, blood pressure, lungs, kidney function, and signs of excess fluid before adjusting treatment.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, fainting, new confusion, crushing or persistent chest pain, or inability to speak comfortably because of breathing difficulty. Do not drive yourself if you are severely unwell.

Seek same-day medical care for clearly worsening breathlessness, new trouble lying flat, quickly increasing swelling, a marked weight rise over a short period, reduced urine, persistent palpitations, or symptoms that are not settling with the agreed action plan.

Ask what may have triggered this episode, whether your medicines need adjustment, which daily changes you should track, and what specific findings should prompt urgent contact. Clarify your target fluid and salt intake because advice can differ with kidney function, blood pressure, and current treatment.