Diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure

Signs and Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

The primary clinical signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) include:

• Exertional dyspnea - shortness of breath particularly when engaging in physical activities or excercise (decreased exercise tolerance).
• Lower extremity swelling - swelling of the ankles and legs (edema) and/or accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) due to excess fluid congestion in the liver.
• Orthopnea - difficulty breathing unless sitting up straight or standing erect.
• Fatigue and lethargy

Many elderly people with congestive heart failure may experience additional symptoms including:

• Confusion
• Memory impairment
• Feeling drowsy or sleepy
• Decreased level of activity
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Depression