Managing Heart Failure Symptoms

Your body and your heart can often respond to effects of heart failure so you don’t notice any symptoms. Your heart makes up for the added strain by working harder. However, as heart failure gets worse, your heart can slowly become less able to keep pumping blood to the body. Also, when a situation gets worse by small amounts over time, you might not notice the trend. Your sense of what’s normal can change.

That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms of HF and note any small changes in your body’s ability to compensate. Make sure your family is aware of heart failure symptoms, especially if they are involved in your care.

View and print the Symptom Tracker: 

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Use the HF Checklist to monitor symptoms

When you have heart failure, you, your family and any caregivers need to pay close attention to any changes in your symptoms. If you notice anything new or a symptom suddenly gets worse, contact your health care professional right away. Your health care team can often make changes to your medication or suggest lifestyle changes that can help you feel better.

Also, learn the signs of a heart attack. 

Which symptoms should I track? 

Your health care team will tell you which heart failure symptoms to track. The most common symptoms to track:

• Shortness of breath or extra fatigue while moving through your daily routine. Two signs that congestion is getting worse are:
  • Difficulty breathing when lying flat
  • Sudden, severe shortness of breath during sleep 
• Your heart rate if you feel as if your heart is racing or throbbing. 
  
  
• Daily weight. Many people first realize their heart failure is getting worse when they notice gaining more than two or three pounds in a day or more than five pounds in a week. This gain may be due to retaining fluids since the heart is not working properly. It’s good to track your weight and check in with your health care professional if you notice sudden changes. Make sure you know how much weight gain your health care professional considers a problem for you.
  
  
• Any swelling from fluids collecting in your body, most often in the ankles, lower legs and feet, especially if you notice increased swelling.
  
  
• Blood pressure. It’s important to track blood pressure and to know your numbers.
  
  
• Confusion or impaired thinking. Others in your family might notice these symptoms first, so it can be helpful to ask for their feedback. 
  
  
• Other factors. You might also be asked to keep track of other factors, such as:
  • Appetite
  • Diuretic, or water pill, use 
  • Your ability to sleep
  • How much oxygen you use if you have been prescribed oxygen

The benefits of tracking

When you’re aware of your body’s changes, you are more likely to adjust your lifestyle and treatment plan to help you live your longest and healthiest life.

Explore resources on our website and visit the Support Network to connect with others living with heart failure.