Symptoms

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Symptoms of heart failure can sometimes be hard to identify. If left untreated, you will likely experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal bloating
• Dry, hacking cough (most often when lying flat)
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid weight gain
• Shortness of breath (even when lying down)
• Trouble sleeping

In more severe cases of heart failure, you will have congestion in your lungs, and swelling in your legs and feet. This is why heart failure is sometimes called congestive heart failure.

Stages of heart disease

The American College of Cardiology* and the American Heart Association* developed a system to help you better understand the stages of heart disease. The ranking system includes specific treatments targeted to each stage. These treatments can help you feel better and and improve your chances of surviving heart failure. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with a heart condition, know these stages so that you can take an active role in your care plan.

Stage A

You may have heart failure risk factors, including high blood pressure, coronary disease, diabetes, drug or alcohol abuse, or a family history of cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle). Even if you do not have active heart disease or symptoms, you have some risk—and you may be able to take action to ward off more serious heart disease or heart failure.

Stage B

You may have heart disease of some kind, including a structural disorder of the heart, which is not yet causing symptoms. You may be able to identify actions to reduce your risk of developing symptoms.

Stage C

You have heart disease, with some prior or current heart failure symptoms. At this stage, you can work with your physician to control your symptoms.

Stage D

You have advanced heart disease (also known as end-stage heart failure), with symptoms that are still active, despite medical treatment. You may be eligible for advanced treatment procedures, such as ventricular assist devices or heart transplantation.