Signs & Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure From Ascites

Ascites is a condition that causes fluid to accumulate in the abdominal cavity just below the chest. It’s commonly associated with cirrhosis, but congestive heart failure can sometimes be an underlying source of the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, heart failure occurs when narrowed arteries or high blood pressure cause the heart to weaken or fail and pump an inadequate amount blood throughout the body. If treated in time, congestive heart failure can often be prevented. It’s important to take preventative measures by knowing the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Ascites

• Mild ascites often shows no symptoms at first, says MedicineNet.com. However, as fluid increases in the abdomen, signs may become present. As the abdomen becomes larger, symptoms may include bloating, pain or ache in the stomach area. Ascites can also cause shortness of breath from an increase of fluid pressure on the diaphragm. Visible signs of the condition include a swelling and disfigured stomach with rapid weight gain from the retention of fluid.

Edema

• According to the Mayo Clinic, swelling in the feet, legs, hands or ankles is known as edema and can be a sign of congestive heart failure. The body’s tissue swells due to excess blood that the heart is not able to effectively pump throughout the body. Blood becomes trapped in certain areas of the body and begins to back up causing visible inflammation.

Palpitations

• According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, palpitations are a common symptom of congestive heart failure. They are often described as a feeling of the heart skipping beats and racing at an abnormal pace. An irregular heartbeat is not always a sign of a serious condition but should be taken seriously when other symptoms of congestive heart failure are present.

Chest Pain

• If heart failure is acute rather than chronic, sudden chest pain may be present, says the Mayo Clinic. Sudden chest pain indicates a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in an artery of the heart. A squeezing in the center of the chest, pain in the arm and pain in the upper abdomen often accompany pain in the chest.

Fatigue Signs

• Unexplained fatigue or weakness can be a sign of congestive heart failure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms may include inexplicable weakness, exhaustion and an unusual shortness of breath during physical exertion. Another sign of fatigue due to congestive heart failure may be a loss of the ability to exercise.

Respiratory Problems

• The Mayo Clinic says that both chronic and acute heart failure are often accompanied by respiratory problems. Persistent coughing or wheezing with pink or white colored phlegm is often indicative of a problem. Shortness of breath is also a common respiratory sign of congestive heart failure.