What Is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a problem in which the heart does not pump as well as it should. Fluid backs up in the lungs or the legs because of the flow of blood is slowed down.

What Is Left Sided Heart Failure ?

People with left sided heart failure have fluid that backs up in the lungs causing these symptoms. You might have any or all of these symptoms:

Shortness of breath

Coughing (sometimes coughing up frothy pink-tinged sputum)

Difficulty breathing when lying down.

What Is Right Sided Heart Failure ?

Right-sided heart failure can cause any or all of the following symptoms due to fluid retention:

1. Swollen legs and feet

2. Upset stomach

3. Loss of appetite

4. Nausea and vomiting

5. Low blood pressure

6. Sudden weight gain (10 pounds or more).

It is possible to have both left and right sided heart failure. If this happens, the following symptoms may appear:

1. Fast heart rate

2. Fatigue

3. Confusion (due to poor blood flow to the brain)

4. Paleness or blue color to the skin.