Right heart failure symptoms: what to know

Some people also notice reduced appetite, nausea, a faster heartbeat or discomfort when lying flat. Symptoms may develop gradually, so a change from your usual breathing, energy or swelling pattern deserves medical assessment.

The right side of the heart moves blood towards the lungs. When it cannot handle this flow effectively, pressure can build in the veins and fluid can collect in tissues. This can explain swollen ankles, tight shoes, abdominal fullness or a rapid increase in body weight.

Right-sided failure can occur alongside broader heart failure or after pressure has affected the lungs and right side of the heart. A symptom such as fatigue or breathlessness has several possible causes, so it cannot identify the cause on its own. A clinician may review your history, examine your heart and lungs, and arrange tests.

Arrange a clinical review if new swelling, breathlessness, unusual tiredness or reduced exercise tolerance persists or is getting worse. Bring a list of medicines and note when symptoms appear, whether they change with activity or rest, and whether swelling affects both legs.

Take prescribed heart medicines as directed and do not change or stop them without advice. Your clinician may discuss fluid management, blood pressure, heart rhythm and other conditions that can affect symptoms. A chronic disease review can help track these changes over time.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, new confusion, blue or grey lips, or an inability to speak in full sentences because of breathing difficulty. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely unwell.

Prompt medical advice is also appropriate when swelling suddenly worsens, breathing becomes harder at rest, or you develop a new irregular or racing heartbeat with dizziness. These changes can signal fluid congestion or another urgent heart or lung problem.

Ask what may be causing your swelling or breathlessness, which symptoms should prompt urgent help, and how to monitor changes at home. You can also ask whether your medicines, blood pressure or heart rhythm need review and when your next assessment should take place.