Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms

Congestive health failure occurs when your heart no longer functions well enough to pump blood throughout your body. Family history of heart disease as well as being overweight, having high cholesterol and smoking are all risk factors for developing congestive heart failure, according to the National Library of Medicine (see Resources). Knowing the signs and symptoms of this serious condition can help you get immediate medical attention and may save your life. You may experience some, but not all, of the symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Heart Abnormalities

• Heart arrhythmia--an abnormal heartbeat--can be a symptom of congestive heart failure. Your heart may beat too fast, in an irregular pattern or you may feel heart palpitations.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• A host of gastrointestinal symptoms may be a part of heart failure, including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and basic indigestion.

Edema

• Swelling of the lower extremities is a symptom of CHF. Abdominal swelling is also common.

Urinary Symptoms

• A difference in your urinary habits may occur with heart failure. A low urine output is common, as is needing to urinate several times throughout the night.

Fatigue

• Feeling very tired and weak is common in people who have CHF.

Mental Capacity

• You may have a hard time concentrating, become confused or lose alertness as a symptom of heart failure.