What It’s Like to Live With Heart Failure

Feeling short of breath. This is one of the most common symptoms of heart failure. It can happen when you’re doing even mild activities, or it can occur at rest.

Feeling tired all the time. This is another common symptom of heart failure. It happens because the heart isn’t able to pump enough blood and oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs.

Swelling in your feet, ankles, and abdomen. This happens when fluid builds up as a result of heart failure.

Coughing up foamy or pink mucus. This is a sign that fluid is building up in lungs.

Needing to urinate more often at night. This happens when the body tries to get rid of excess fluid by producing more urine.

Losing weight or gaining weight suddenly. Weight gain can happen when the body starts to hold onto fluid. Weight loss can happen because the body isn’t getting enough oxygen and nutrients.

Having chest pain or palpitations. These symptoms can occur with heart failure, but they can also be signs of other conditions. If you’re having these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

Difficulty concentrating or remembering things. This can happen when the heart isn’t able to pump enough blood to the brain.

Feeling depressed or anxious. These symptoms are common with heart failure, and they can make it harder to manage the condition.

Reduced exercise capacity. You may find that you can't exercise for as long as you used to, or you may have to stop exercising altogether.

_Living with heart failure can be a challenge, but it is possible to manage the condition and live a full and active life._