CHF (congestive heart failure): what should you know?

Fluid can collect in the lungs, ankles, legs, or abdomen. Reduced forward blood flow may leave you tired or less able to exercise. Common presentations include breathlessness, a cough that is worse when lying down, fatigue, ankle swelling, and a fast or uneven heartbeat. [Heart Failure](/conditions/heart-failure/) is an ongoing condition, but its symptoms and treatment needs can change.

High blood pressure and some rhythm problems, including [Atrial Fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/), can put extra strain on the heart. They need assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Take medicines on schedule and keep appointments for blood tests, examination, and medicine review. Follow the fluid, salt, activity, and weight-monitoring plan given to you; do not make large changes based on a single reading. Notice whether breathlessness, swelling, cough, fatigue, or exercise tolerance is changing. A [Chronic Disease Review](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/chronic-disease-review/) can bring these observations together and identify a need for adjustment.

Keep a current list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Some products can affect fluid balance, kidney function, or blood pressure.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness at rest, chest pain or pressure, fainting, confusion, blue lips, or a sudden inability to speak in full sentences. Contact your care team promptly if swelling increases quickly, you need more pillows to breathe, your cough becomes new or worse, or your usual activity becomes much harder.

Ask what type of heart failure you have, which symptoms should trigger a call, how to monitor weight and swelling, which medicines to avoid, and how your blood pressure, kidney function, and heart rhythm will be followed.