What are Symptoms and Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure?
Symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea), particularly with activity or when lying flat; dry, constant cough, which may worsen at night; swelling of feet or legs, caused by fluid accumulation (edema); waking up at night coughing or breathless; having to sleep in a sitting position; tiredness or weakness; decrease in urination or frequent urination during the night; and weight gain, usually sudden, 2-3 lbs. per day or more than 5 lbs. in 5 days. Fatigue is another common symptom. As the heart’s pumping capacity decreases, muscles and other tissues receive less oxygen and nutrition, which are carried in the blood. Without proper “fuel,” the body cannot perform as much work. With right-sided failure, besides the abdominal pain, the person is frequently bloated, nauseated and has a decreased appetite. Also, dependent edema in the lower extremities and distention of the veins in the neck is quite common in these patients. How can CHF be Treated? Prevention is the most important treatm
