What to look for and why it happens
Be sure to call your doctor if you notice any new or worsening symptoms. Also, keep in mind that you may have some of the symptoms below, but not others.
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Shortness of breath with everyday activities
The heart can’t pump enough to keep up with the blood supply. This causes fluid to back up and leak into the lungs.
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Shortness of breath with everyday activities
The heart can’t pump enough to keep up with the blood supply. This causes fluid to back up and leak into the lungs.

Swelling in legs, feet, and ankles
Fluid backs up and collects in the tissues. The heart isn’t able to pump strongly enough to manage its workload.
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Swelling in legs, feet, and ankles
Fluid backs up and collects in the tissues. The heart isn’t able to pump strongly enough to manage its workload.

A dry, hacking cough that doesn’t go away
The cough is caused by fluid backing up and leaking into the lungs. That’s because the heart can’t keep up with pumping the blood to the rest of the body.
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A dry, hacking cough that doesn’t go away
The cough is caused by fluid backing up and leaking into the lungs. That’s because the heart can’t keep up with pumping the blood to the rest of the body.

Trouble sleeping when you lie flat
Fluid backs up into the lungs because the heart can’t keep up with the blood supply.
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Trouble sleeping when you lie flat
Fluid backs up into the lungs because the heart can’t keep up with the blood supply.

Rapid weight gain
The heart can’t keep up with the incoming blood supply, so fluid backs up and collects in the tissue.
(3 or more pounds in a day)
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Rapid weight gain
The heart can’t keep up with the incoming blood supply, so fluid backs up and collects in the tissue.
(3 or more pounds in a day)

Feeling tired
The limited blood supply is sent away from arm and leg muscles to supply the body’s main organs, like the heart and brain.
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Feeling tired
The limited blood supply is sent away from arm and leg muscles to supply the body’s main organs, like the heart and brain.
Both types of Heart Failure share the same symptoms. Learn the differences.
Both types of Heart Failure share the same symptoms. Learn the differences.
Know when to take action
If you experience worsening symptoms, like shortness of breath or rapid weight gain, call your doctor. You may be retaining water, which can put you at greater risk for hospitalization.