Heart Failure Symptoms And Their Manifestations

Heart failure can manifest in various ways depending on the affected area of the heart. The specific symptoms experienced by patients can differ based on whether the left or right side of the heart is primarily involved. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common symptoms associated with each type of heart failure.

Left-Sided Heart Failure Symptoms

Left-sided heart failure typically results in decreased exercise tolerance. Patients often feel fatigued and lack energy. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are also common, especially during physical activity or when lying flat. In more severe cases, patients may experience acute pulmonary edema, which can cause coughing up blood or pink, frothy sputum.

Additional symptoms may include a rapid heartbeat or palpitations. Some individuals develop swelling in areas such as the face, legs, and eyelids, and in extreme cases, fluid buildup can occur in multiple body cavities. Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and a reduced appetite may also be present.

Right-Sided Heart Failure Symptoms

Right-sided heart failure mainly leads to systemic congestion, with swelling being the most noticeable symptom. This can include fluid retention in various membranes of the body, and some patients may experience an enlarged liver or even congestive hepatomegaly.

Visible signs such as jugular vein distention are often observed. Patients may also suffer from increased respiratory or heart rates, and in severe cases, symptoms of advanced heart failure may appear. Other non-specific manifestations include fainting, seizures, excessive sweating, restlessness, loss of appetite, and failure to gain weight or even unintended weight loss.