Congestive Cardiac Failure Symptoms

Congestive cardiac failure symptoms vary from one individual to another. Symptoms often depend on the severity of heart failure, and some people have no symptoms at all. Learning to recognize the symptoms of congestive cardiac failure (CCF) is important, because about 5 million Americans are living with this condition. Congestive cardiac failure is the fastest growing form of cardiovascular disease in the United States.

Most Common Symptoms

• Certain symptoms of congestive cardiac failure are more common than others. The most common symptoms of CCF include lung congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath and a dry hacking cough. Other symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, confusion and swelling in ankles, feet, hands or abdomen.

Considerations

• When symptoms of congestive cardiac failure begin, you may simply feel short of breath after routine physical activities, such as climbing stairs. As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen. Getting dressed may be all it takes to leave you short of breath. You may even become short of breath while lying in bed.

Classification of Symptoms

• Doctors often classify symptoms of congestive heart failure based on how much they affect your ability to perform daily activities. Class 1 means there is no reduction in the amount of physical activity you can do. Ordinary activity doesn't bring on fatigue or shortness of breath. Class 2 means there are slight limits in your physical activity. Ordinary activity triggers shortness of breath or tiredness. Class 3 means that there are noticeable limits to your physical activity. Very light activity may cause shortness of breath or fatigue. Class 4 means there are severe limits to your physical activity. No physical activity can be performed without distress, and symptoms may be present even when at rest.

Misconceptions

• High blood pressure is a major cause of congestive cardiac failure. One of the main misconceptions people have about high blood pressure is that they will experience symptoms such as nervousness and insomnia if their blood pressure is elevated. High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because there are no symptoms. Another misconception is that you don't need to monitor your blood pressure until middle age. This is not true. Elementary school children sometimes have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for heart disease.

When to Call the Doctor

• Call a doctor if you experience extreme shortness of breath, faintness or dizziness. Other symptoms that your doctor will want to know about include swelling in hands, feet or abdomen, a weight gain of two to three pounds in one day, difficulty sleeping or loss of appetite.
  Go to the emergency room if you have crushing chest pain, fainting or rapid, irregular heartbeat.