The most common signs and symptoms of heart failure are shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, and sometimes the abdomen.

Shortness of breath and fatigue are caused by the build-up of fluid in and around the lungs. When symptoms start, the patient may feel tired and short of breath after even minimal physical activity. As heart failure progresses, the symptoms get worse. It's not unusual to feel tired and short of breath after fairly simple activities, like getting dressed or moving around the house.

Another symptom is coughing, which is caused by fluid build-up in the lungs. The cough is usually worse at night and when the patient is lying down. Excessive fluid in the lungs can cause a life-threatening condition called acute pulmonary edema.

Symptoms of sudden, acute heart failure develop quickly when fluid rapidly builds up in the lungs—a condition called pulmonary edema—and may include:

• Severe shortness of breath
• An irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Coughing up foamy, pink mucus

Sudden worsening of heart failure is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care.

It's important to remember that many of these symptoms can be caused by other problems, and may not be related to heart failure. As always, it's important for patients to check with their provider about symptoms they may be experiencing.