What should you know about respiratory heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart is not pumping blood effectively enough for the body’s needs. Pressure can rise in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing breathlessness during activity or when lying flat. A cough, tiredness, swollen ankles, or a rapid increase in breathlessness may accompany fluid retention. High blood pressure and irregular rhythms such as atrial fibrillation can contribute to heart strain, but breathing symptoms can also have other causes.

Arrange medical review for new or worsening breathlessness, night-time breathing difficulty, ankle swelling, or a persistent cough. Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not change doses without advice. Keep a record of symptoms, sleeping position, swelling, and any missed doses. A clinician may check your heart and lungs, review medicines, and arrange tests or a chronic disease review.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, chest pressure, fainting, new confusion, or coughing up pink frothy sputum. Sit upright while waiting and avoid walking around. Sudden palpitations with dizziness or breathlessness also need urgent assessment. A gradual change still deserves prompt clinical advice because fluid can build up before symptoms become severe.

Ask what change in breathlessness should trigger a call, how to monitor swelling and medicines, and whether rhythm, blood pressure, or lung problems may be contributing. Discuss a written plan for flare-ups and follow-up.