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The Curious Bag
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Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump enough blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. This condition, which is also called congestive heart failure, can lead to serious organ damage and, in some cases, death.
Identification
Heart failure can be a chronic condition, meaning that it develops over time, or acute, meaning that symptoms start suddenly. The symptoms of these two types of heart failure are different.
Chronic Heart Failure
The symptoms of chronic heart failure include trouble breathing during exertion or while lying down; feeling very tired and weak; swelling in the limbs and abdomen; the heart beating quickly or irregularly; trouble exercising; cough with white or pink phlegm; weight gain that occurs suddenly; decreased appetite and feeling nauseated; and trouble concentrating, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Acute Heart Failure
The symptoms of acute heart failure are similar to those of chronic heart failure but also include a sudden buildup of fluid; heart palpitations; shortness of breath and coughing up mucus that is pink and foamy; and pain in the chest if related to a heart attack, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
Heart failure is serious, and people who have symptoms of heart failure should seek medical attention, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Complications
Heart failure can damage the kidneys, liver and heart valves and can lead to both heart attack and stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Source:
Mayo Clinic: Heart Failure Definition
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