Symptoms of congestive heart failure in humans

When the heart cannot pump or fill effectively, pressure can build in the lungs and fluid can collect in the legs or abdomen. Breathlessness may appear with activity or when lying flat, and a cough may be worse at night. Fatigue can reflect reduced blood flow to muscles. Palpitations may occur when the rhythm is abnormal. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation can contribute to heart failure, but these symptoms also have other causes and need assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Arrange a clinical review if symptoms are new, worsening, or interfering with walking, sleep, or daily tasks. Record when breathlessness occurs, changes in ankle swelling, weight trends if your clinician has advised monitoring, and any missed medicines. Take prescribed treatment as directed and do not change doses without advice. A chronic disease review can check symptoms, blood pressure, rhythm, medicines, and the need for further tests.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, chest pressure, fainting, new confusion, coughing pink or frothy sputum, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat with weakness. Seek same-day medical advice when swelling or breathlessness is rapidly increasing, or when sleep is repeatedly disturbed by difficulty breathing.

Ask what may be causing the symptom pattern, how to monitor fluid changes, which medicines need review, and which changes should trigger emergency help.