As the heart grows weaker in a person with congestive heart failure, symptoms become more apparent. Common symptoms of congestive heart failure include:
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, and/or abdomen (Caused by buildup of fluids in the body).
A person with congestive heart failure may feel tired doing ordinary physical tasks, such as getting dressed, or may experience difficulty breathing even while sitting or lying down.
Signs that congestive heart failure is worsening include:
Weight gain
Frequent urination
Coughing
Fluid in the lungs
Fluid in the lungs is a sign of very severe congestive heart failure and needs emergency medical treatment.