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Symptoms & Tests for Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump adequate amounts of blood through the body. High blood pressure or coronary artery disease may lead to heart failure.

  1. Types

    • Heart failure may progress slowly over a number of years; this type of heart failure is known as chronic heart failure. In some cases, heart failure may occur suddenly; in that case, it is referred to as acute heart failure.

    Chronic Heart Failure Symptoms

    • Symptoms of chronic heart failure include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, chronic cough, wheezing, lack of appetite, difficulty concentrating, fluid retention and swelling of the abdomen, legs and feet.

    Acute Heart Failure Symptoms

    • Symptoms of acute heart failure may be very similar to those associated with chronic heart failure. However, the symptoms will come on very suddenly. In addition, the patient may experience pain and think he is having a heart attack.

    Identification

    • Blood tests can be used to determine if hormones are present that indicate heart failure. Also, chest X-rays, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms will be used to diagnose heart failure.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To prevent heart failure, you can control medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Also, losing weight, limiting salt and exercising regularly can both prevent and treat heart failure.

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