Heart failure

Question 1

Why do my legs and ankles swell, and what does this have to do with heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure means your heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. When blood moves too slowly, it backs up in the vessels that carry blood back to your heart. Fluid then leaks from those vessels into your tissues. This causes swelling, called edema, in your ankles, lower legs, and sometimes your belly. Weight gain from this extra fluid is also common. Treatment plans often include eating less sodium and drinking less liquid to help control fluid buildup. Talk with your care team about what steps are right for you.

Question 2

Is the exhaustion I feel a common part of having heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fatigue and weakness are well-known symptoms of heart failure. Your heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. Most symptoms happen because your organs receive less blood flow. When organs get less oxygen, you can feel tired or weak. This fatigue can happen even after rest. How tired you feel may depend on how serious your heart failure has become. Treatment can help reduce your symptoms over time. Talk with your care team about how tired you feel. They can help find the best approach for you.

Question 3

Why do some heart medications cause a dry cough that won't go away?

Accepted Answer

Coughing is one of the symptoms of heart failure. In heart failure, blood flow slows down inside your heart. Fluid backs up into the vessels and can leak into body tissues, including the lungs. That fluid buildup can cause breathing problems and coughing. Treatment for heart failure usually includes medicines. If you have a cough that won't go away while being treated for a heart condition, let your care team know. They can help find the cause.

Question 4

How much sodium should I limit in my diet if I have heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Eating less sodium is one of the main ways to manage fluid buildup with heart failure. Sodium is the salt in food. Your care team will set the right limit for you. Heart failure means your heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood. Blood flow slows, and fluid backs up in your blood vessels. It leaks into your body's tissues, causing swelling in your legs, ankles, and belly. That same fluid can make breathing harder. Eating less sodium helps reduce this buildup and ease these symptoms. Talk to your care team about your personal sodium limit. If your swelling gets worse or breathing becomes more difficult, contact your care team.

Question 5

Why does walking a short distance leave me so short of breath?

Accepted Answer

Shortness of breath during light activity can happen when your heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. When you walk, your muscles demand more oxygen. If the heart is weak or stiff, it can't keep up. Blood can slow down and back up, and fluid can build up in your lungs, making it harder to breathe. Over time, conditions like coronary artery disease — a buildup of plaque that narrows the heart's arteries — can weaken the heart muscle. Your care team can run tests to find the cause.

Question 6

Should I weigh myself regularly, and when is weight gain something to worry about?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure means your heart cannot pump blood well. Blood slows and backs up, and fluid leaks into your body tissues. This causes swelling—called edema—and weight gain. Fluid most often collects in the ankles, lower legs, and belly. It can also build up in and around the lungs, making breathing harder. Weight gain from fluid tends to happen faster than usual weight gain. Tracking your weight can help you notice fluid buildup early. Your care team may recommend eating less sodium and drinking less fluid. These are common steps to help control fluid buildup. Ask your care team which weight changes need attention and when to reach out.

Question 7

What causes my heart to race and flutter?

Accepted Answer

A racing or fluttering heart can be a sign of an arrhythmia — a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. One of the most common types is atrial fibrillation, also called AFib. With AFib, the heart beats irregularly and sometimes much faster than normal. The upper and lower chambers of the heart do not work together as they should. This can cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and a pounding heartbeat. AFib is most often caused by changes in the heart's tissue or its electrical signals. Conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, infections, and aging can trigger these changes. AFib may come and go in brief episodes, or it can become a lasting condition. Treatment is important because AFib can raise your risk for stroke and other heart problems. Talk to your care team if your heart races or flutters.

Question 8

Why do I sometimes wake up at night gasping for air?

Accepted Answer

Waking up gasping for air at night can be a symptom of heart failure — when your heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. Blood that flows too slowly backs up in your vessels. Fluid then leaks out of those vessels and collects in your body's tissues. When fluid builds up in and around your lungs, breathing becomes harder. Lying flat can make this worse. Most heart failure symptoms come from reduced blood flow and fluid buildup. Talk to your care team about what you are experiencing.

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