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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
