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Symptoms & Stages of Heart Failure

Symptoms of  Heart Failure

  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Sensation of rapid or irregular heart beat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cool and clammy skin
  • Swelling (edema) or fluid build up in the legs, ankles, and feet
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating, waking up short of breath
  • A dry hacking cough, especially when lying flat
 

Sources:  National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute
National Institute of Health/MedlinePlus
and Mayo Clinic


Stages of  Heart Failure

How will I know if my heart failure is early stage or advanced?
Talk with your doctor and ask questions about your concerns.  Your doctor will be able to explain your unique disease process and address any other complications caused by other disease (co-morbidity) you may have.  Heart failure is often classified by the New York Heart Association (NYHA) according to symptoms. Your doctor may refer to this classification in the course of your care

New York Heart Association Heart Failure Classification System

Class I Physical activity is not limited.  Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue fatigue, heart palpitations, trouble breathing, or chest pain
Class II Some limitations on physical activity.  The patient is comfortable at rest, but ordinary activity causes fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pain. 
Class III Marked limitations on physical activity.  The patient is comfortable at rest but most activities cause fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pain. 
 Class IV    All physical activity causes symptoms to worsen.  Symptoms are present even at rest. 

Sources:  New York Heart Association
and Heart Failure Society of America
 
Last Reviewed: November 3, 2008