Symptoms

• Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Reduced ability to exercise.
• Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged mucus.
• Swelling of the belly area (abdomen)

More items•Jul 21, 2021
The clinical signs and symptoms of heart failure are common: dyspnea on exertion is the most common complaint and can worsen to dyspnea at rest. The prevalent symptoms are common to both the younger and older population afflicted with CHF. However, the elderly may complain only of fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or altered mentation.

What are the 4 stages of congestive heart failure?

There are four stages of heart failure (Stage A, B, C and D). The stages range from “high risk of developing heart failure” to “advanced heart failure,” and provide treatment plans.

How long can an elderly person live with congestive heart failure?

Although there have been recent improvements in congestive heart failure treatment, researchers say the prognosis for people with the disease is still bleak, with about 50% having an average life expectancy of less than five years . For those with advanced forms of heart failure, nearly 90% die within one year.

How do you check for congestive heart failure?

After the physical exam, your doctor may also order some of these tests: Blood tests. Chest X-ray. Electrocardiogram (ECG). Echocardiogram. Stress test . Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Coronary angiogram.

What are the signs that your heart is not working properly?

Signs and symptoms can include: Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina) Shortness of breath . Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed.

What are the 4 signs your heart is quietly failing?

Heart failure signs and symptoms may include: Shortness of breath ( dyspnea ) when you exert yourself or when you lie down. Fatigue and weakness . Swelling ( edema ) in your legs, ankles and feet. Rapid or irregular heartbeat. Reduced ability to exercise. Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm.

What are the signs of end stage congestive heart failure?

The symptoms of end-stage congestive heart failure include dyspnea , chronic cough or wheezing, edema , nausea or lack of appetite , a high heart rate, and confusion or impaired thinking. Learn about the hospice eligibility requirements for end-stage heart failure.

How do CHF patients die?

Approximately 90% of heart failure patients die from cardiovascular causes. Fifty per cent die from progressive heart failure , and the remainder die suddenly from arrhythmias and ischaemic events.

How long can an 80 year old live with congestive heart failure?

In a recent study, it was reported that patients hospitalized with moderate systolic heart failure faced a median expected survival time of 2.4 years if they were aged 71 to 80 years and 1.4 years if they were aged 80 years or more. In patients with more advanced systolic dysfunction, life expectancy was even shorter.

How long can a 90 year old live with heart failure?

While advancements have been made, according to a 2008 study, 50% of patients will have an average life expectancy of five years . For those with advanced heart failure , up to 90 % will pass away within one year .

How do they remove fluid from congestive heart failure?

The current in-hospital treatment for CHF involves removal of excess fluid with diuretic medication and/or ultrafiltration in which a machine bypasses the kidneys and filters water and salt from the body. However, these treatments can have unwanted side effects such as low blood pressure and worsening kidney function.

What does a heart failure cough sound like?

You may experience a persistent cough or wheezing (a whistling sound in the lungs or laboured breathing) due to your heart failure . The wheezing is similar to asthma but has a different cause in heart failure .

Is walking good for congestive heart failure?

Walking helps congestive heart failure patients in several ways: Reduces heart attack risk, including cutting the risk of having a second heart attack. Strengthens their hearts and improves lung function. Long term, aerobic activity improves your heart’s ability to pump blood to your lungs and throughout your body.

What does a heart blockage feel like?

A completely blocked coronary artery will cause a heart attack. The classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing pressure in your chest and pain in your shoulder or arm, sometimes with shortness of breath and sweating.

What is a heart cough?

While most people associate coughing as a common symptom that accompanies lung or respiratory issues, its connection to heart failure often goes unnoticed. This is called a cardiac cough , and it often happens to those with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Is it gas or heart attack?

Gas pain vs. heart pain Gas that gathers in the stomach or left part of the colon can feel like heart -related pain. The following symptoms may suggest that chest pain is related to a heart attack : pain that resembles a strong pressure applied to the chest.