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7 warning signs of heart failure

Your heart hasn't literally failed if you have heart failure. But it isn't pumping well enough to meet your body's needs. Heart failure is a serious condition. Fortunately, treatment can help. See your doctor if you notice more than one of these symptoms—even if you haven't been diagnosed with a heart problem.

1. Shortness of breath

What you might notice: You may find it difficult to breathe when you're active or even when you're resting or lying flat. And you may wake up feeling tired, restless or anxious.

Why it happens: When your heart isn't working properly, blood can back up in the vessels leading from the lungs to the heart, causing fluid to leak into the lungs.

2. Persistent coughing or wheezing

What you might notice: Coughing that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus.

Why it happens: This can be a sign that fluid is building up in your lungs.

3. Swelling (edema)

What you might notice: Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs or stomach or unexplained weight gain. You might notice swelling by feeling that your shoes or pants are too tight.

Why it happens: When blood flow from your heart is too slow, blood backs up in the veins. This forces fluid into other tissues.

4. Fatigue

What you might notice: You may feel tired all the time and have trouble with everyday activities like walking and climbing stairs.

Why it happens: Fatigue is a sign that the muscles in your arms and legs aren't getting the blood they need to function properly because your body is prioritizing getting blood to the heart and brain.

5. Loss of appetite or nausea

What you might notice: You may feel full or sick to your stomach.

Why it happens: The digestive process is disrupted because the digestive system isn't receiving enough blood.

6. Confusion or impaired thinking

What you might notice: Memory loss and a feeling of disorientation. A caregiver or loved one might notice this before you do.

Why it happens: Heart failure can change levels of sodium and other substances in the blood, which can result in reduced blood flow to the brain.

7. Heart palpitations

What you might notice: You may feel like your heart is racing or throbbing.

Why it happens: When your heart isn't pumping well, it tries to compensate by beating faster.

Help your heart work better

If you have heart failure, a cardiac rehabilitation program can help you feel better and live your best life.

Learn more about rehab